$900,000 in deficit spending on agenda for this week
While the Healdsburg Unified School District Board of Trustees will have the pleasant task of reviewing millions in improvements to athletic fields and facilities Wednesday night, it will also discuss a projected $900,000 deficit in the current school year budget.
The final environmental impact report for the high school gym expansion and field improvements will be up for review and is expected to be approved. The work is being paid for by voter-approved school bonds and will include an all-weather field and track, as well as lighting improvements. While more of the fields will be lighted, new technology will be used to minimize glare to the surrounding residential areas.
The existing gymnasium will receive a large addition, with more indoor athletic space, and new and renovated locker rooms.
None of the bond funds designated for this project can be diverted to other uses, such as salaries. And salary costs will be part of the agenda later in the evening.
According to a school district staff report, district trustees first became aware of a projected $900,000 shortfall in this year’s budget in December. Wednesday’s agenda states that “Superintendent Chris Vanden Heuvel will outline a plan to make reductions that will effectively eliminate deficit spending for the 2018-19 school year.”
The timing is significant. If teachers are to be laid off, state law says they must be informed by March 15.
The school board meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at Healdsburg City Hall on Grove Street.
