Opportunities to participate in the South Portland budget planning process

The budget planning process is ongoing for the South Portland 2010-2011 budget. To read about the current state of our resources explained by Suzanne Godin, Superintendent of Schools, go to:   http://www.spsd.org

and click on “Community Budget Forecast” in January 2010 News.

To summarize some major points:

. The state overall is continuing to suffer declining revenues in this tough economy.

. The Department of Education subsidy figures indicates a $1.6M reduction in state subsidy to South Portland. 

. The City Council requested that all departments provide a budget that does not increase the local tax rate.

. The School Department is projecting a budget deficit of $2.4M.

. This significant deficit may force reductions of 30-50 positions district wide, possibly closing school buildings, increasing class size, instituting pay to partcipate, and initiating other cost saving measures.

Your participation in this budget process is welcomed by the Board of Education and the City of South Portland. At the S.P. website, http://www.spsd.org  there is a link “Click Here to make a suggestion for next year’s budget” that will lead to a comment box for suggestions. There will also be Budget Workshop Meetings that are open for public participation:

Wed., Feb. 24, 2010               7:00 pm,  Memorial Middle School

Thurs., Feb. 25, 2010             7:00 pm, Small Elementary School

Mon., March 1, 2010              7:00 pm, Skillin Elementary School

Tues., March 2, 2010              7:00 pm, Mahoney Middle School

The meeting dates below are tentatively scheduled:

Wed., March 3, 2010               7:00 pm, Dyer Elementary School

Thurs., March 4, 2010             7:00 pm, Kaler Elementary School

Mon., March 8, 2010, Board Budget Adoption, 7:00 pm, City Council Chambers

Mon., March 29, 2010, Board Budget Presentation to City Council, 7:00 pm, City Council Chambers

Mon., April 26, 2010, City Council School Budget Vote, 7:00 pm, City Council Chambers

Thurs. May 6, 2010, School Budget Referendum, SP Community Center