Alpine Community Network – Alpine CA 91901

Good Afternoon,  from Glenn Dickie – AUSD Trustee

I would like to share some information with you regarding the upcoming budget decisions our school district is facing.  I have attached several documents that detail our situation, but think that the most important one is the AUSD Budget Summary, which shows where the district has been and where we are headed.  

Please also take a look at AUSD Alpine Exchange Discussion Feb 22

We are in some tough times that are not going to improve any time soon, and I think it is important for everyone to be informed and understand why decisions are made.  

I would like to point out a few items:

• Federal “one time: monies have been decreasing and we anticipate they will be totally eliminated.
• We have little if any monies left in the “Restricted Funds” to support the ”General Fund”.
• The economy is not improving quickly enough to assist us in the immediate future.

I am sorry to tell you that teacher lay-off notices for next school year will be going out to the lowest seniority teachers by March 15, 2011.  

As you might be aware, this will impact some of our most respected teachers in the district.  Many parents and teachers speak very eloquently at school board meetings about themselves and others affected by layoff notices, but the district’s hands are tied in this matter since layoff order is dictated by the union contract.   The exact number of notices has not been determined , but the San Diego County Office of Education has directed all San Diego School Districts to meet the worst case scenario ( if the 2011 special election fails ),  which for us means covering a $1.7 million  dollar deficit.

I am reaching out to you, as a stakeholder, for any ideas or thoughts you feel can help our district’s financial situation now and in the future. Think of this as YOUR voice on the School Board.

Thank you for your time.

Glenn Dickie
AUSD Trustee
glenn.dickie@att.net

P.S. Please feel free to share this information