Vancouver schools seek input on cuts

Vancouver Public Schools has asked for online help in choosing new spending cuts or revenue options as the district grapples with a potential $16 million budget hit for 2011-12.

A simple “online survey” is posted among the materials at: http://www.vansd.org/budget_facts.

Suggestions from district staff members, parents, students or other community members are welcome through Feb. 13.

The survey posits broad alternatives, such as reducing support or administrative staff, trimming “non-core” student programs, reducing teaching staff or even shortening the school year.

There is background material available on the “budget facts” web page: In particular, see the “Budget FAQ” link.

For perspective, the entire Vancouver budget plan, with 2009-10 the most recent year available, is posted at: http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/reports.asp. Use the pulldown menu to find the Vancouver district, then look for F-195 budget reports and overviews.

As the Washington Legislature weighs budget reductions to stem a $4.6 billion deficit for 2011-13, significant cuts in state school spending are likely.

Vancouver officials estimate $16 million reductions in a “worst-case scenario” that sees loss of all state levy equalization money, supplemental funds for grades K-through-3 classrooms and other funding streams.

The district’s 2010-11 operating budget is $212.9 million.

The district is huddling with employee groups and with each school community. It has formed an ad hoc advisory committee to explore budget options, meeting every other Wednesday through March 23.

Superintendent Steve Webb and the school board plan to fold recommendations into a final district budget, to be adopted May 10 — assuming legislators have set the state’s two-year spending budget.