We are entering another budget cutting cycle. While not as extreme at the last cycle, just a year ago, this one will probably hurt even more as we struggle to identify cuts that are closer to the bone than ever before. Last year we were looking at 10%, and managed that goal in a process that included many people who were willing to spend time with building committees charged with the task. This year, in order to make sure we do not continue in Statutory Operating Debt, (the dreaded “SOD”) we must find 4% total cuts. The SOD plan filed with the state shows Northfield coming out of SOD by June 30, 2006, and elimination of a negative fund balance as of June 30, 2007.
Building principals, staff, and parents/community members (like YOU, dear reader!!) will earmark $1,000,000 for cutting, and then prioritize those cuts in such a way that we can eventually end up with a $700,000 reccommendation to the Board of Euducation.
The committees will convene very soon, so interested parties are encouraged to call their school principal to ask about the timeline and schedule. Input is needed from everyone as we try to keep the Northfield schools among the best in the state.
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