Alpine Community Network – Alpine CA 91901

Alpine Union – Board Meeting Update – Submitted By George Barnett – March 12, 2019

I attended last night’s board meeting. It was important.

First Item : Love For Luke: We started with a heart-felt tribute to Luke Hayworth, one of our town’s precious young students fighting cancer. Please support this Alpine family in need by visiting the Love For Luke FB page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/Love-for-Luke-2244457002443858/posts/

Second : District Re-Organization Proposals: The Board eliminated moving 5th grade to JMMS. Two proposals remain: one – consolidating Alpine Elementary into Boulder Oaks; and two – a high school. They will be addressed at Special Board meeting for next Tuesday. The Board announced a Letter of Intent with Grossmont Union to pursue an Alpine high school program. That sounds like a cooperative and mutually satisfactory joint effort. Wonderful news!

Third : Alpine Union Budget: The budget for the next two years is “okay” because of prudent management. Alpine’s budget is tight, and continued tight management of costs while focusing on academic performance is needed to prosper. Budget charts are attached. (Below)

Aa – California State Revenues : California has not met its expected revenues. This could result in Alpine getting $75,000 less funding.

Bb – State Employee Pension Plans : The cost is growing strongly as decades of under-funding those plans now have to be made up. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 compelled private employers to fund plans starting 45 years ago. State and Federal governments kicked that ball down the road for decades. Time to pay the Piper.

Cc – Alpine Union Revenues : 2019-2020 revenues from the state will decline. Total impact of all sources is down $640,000. A partial recovery of $400,000 could come for the 2020-2021 year. A two-year snapshot – revenues are flat unless we all work together to attract more students.

Dd – Alpine Union Expenses : 2019-2020 school district expenses are up $60,000, and up a further $300,000 in 2020-2021. A two-year snapshot – expenses continue to increase.

Ee – Fund Balance : This is a current snap-shot of funds on hand as a % of annual expenses. It is the district’s rainy day fund when something happens with either revenue or expenses; or a catastrophic need arises. It is 12.57%, $2 million. Sounds like a lot, it represents maybe 6 weeks of operating costs during those weeks school is in session.

While focusing on academic excellence, tight business management of the district must remain!