Budget Planning Underway

PSD Planning Budget Process for 2010-11

PSD begins budget process, state announces major K-12 education cuts

Colorado is facing major fiscal challenges, and Poudre School District is monitoring all announcements and information as we begin the budget development process for 2010-11.

What is PSD’s current budget situation?   

The State of Colorado announced it will likely rescind (take back) $3.3 million already budgeted to PSD for this school year.  PSD has set aside this amount in anticipation of the state’s action.

On November 10, Gov. Ritter presented to the Legislature an early proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11.  The proposed budget includes a $260 million, or 4.6% reduction to K-12 education when compared to the current school year (FY 2009-10). 

Because of the state’s budget proposal, PSD is beginning the budget development process for 2010-11 earlier than usual.  PSD is planning for three possible levels of reductions—$5 million, $8 million, or $12 million. 

See Superintendent Jerry Wilson's budget message (December 2009)

“Poudre School District is preparing for several scenarios, and all involve budget cuts from last year to this year,” says Jim Sarchet, PSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.   “With each state report, we are able to fine-tune information.”

Following are key dates for development of PSD's 2010-11 budget:

• October-December: Board of Education discussing priorities for PSD budget
• November 10: Governor releases preliminary budget to Joint Budget Committee
• December 20: Colorado quarterly economic report released
• January: Legislative session begins, and budget discussions continue through April/May
• February: Colorado rate of inflation announced (currently projected to be negative)
• March: PSD presents preliminary budget to Board of Education
• February – May: PSD revises budget assumptions and priorities, based in information and input 
• March: PSD announces preliminary Student-Based Budgeting (SBB) allocations to schools
• March: Colorado quarterly economic reports released
• March - May: Budget discussions held during PSD employee negotiations sessions
• Late April/early May: Legislature adopts K-12 funding in the Colorado School Finance Act
• May: PSD Administration presents preliminary budget to Board of Education
• June: Board action to adopt 2010-11 budget

Colorado ranks 40^th out of 50 states in funding education (source: Education Week, Quality Counts 2009), and PSD’s total program is funded at the lowest level among Colorado’s 178 school districts. 

For the latest in-depth information, please continue to visit the PSD website at www.psdschools.org under District Updates, Budget Information.