Duval County Leaders Explain Financial Impacts of
Local and State Initiatives
Jacksonville –
Education leaders and supporters from
Northeast Florida joined today to discuss the
crippling financial effects that the sales tax
revenue shortfall, Amendment 1 and class size
reduction will have on Duval County Public Schools’
2008/2009 budget.
These factors combined
are causing an estimated $86 million dollar
shortfall to next year’s budget that could
potentially cause a reduction in salary and benefits
for teachers and administrative staff, reduction in
programs and the possible cutbacks of employees.
More than $23 million in
budget reductions have taken place since the fall,
but the combined cuts will be too large to manage at
the district level alone. The district has already
absorbed more than $10 million in fixed cost
increases, including transportation, fuel and
utilities, as well as reducing the operating budget
by millions.
“Unfortunately, with
additional cuts looming, the district is forced to
look at reducing budgets at our schools,” said Duval
County Public Schools Superintendent Ed
Pratt-Dannals. “We are dedicated to providing
quality education to all of our students and will
continue to ensure that Duval County students
receive all of the proper tools and training they
need to succeed.”
District officials are
continuing to work with legislators to explore
options that may minimize the financial impact of
the requirements being imposed. Examples include
class size amendment, flexibility in spending,
redirection of school recognition money and
unobligated performance funds.
Duval County Public
Schools operates more than 160 schools and serves
approximately 130,000 students. The school district
is committed to providing high quality educational
opportunities that will inspire all students to
acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to
succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse
world.
Let your voice be heard,
contact the
Duval Legislative Delegation.
2008/2009 Budget Facts
Current Status
Duval County Public
Schools (DCPS) is facing the biggest revenue
shortfall in three decades
- Projected shortfall:
$86 million
- Current year
budget: $1.049 billion
- Fixed cost
increases for 2008/2009: 19 million + 1.049
billion = $1.068 billion
- State revenue
projections for DCPS 2008/2009 budget = $982
million
- $1.068 billion -
$982 million = $86 million
DCPS Actions
Duval County Public
Schools implemented budget reduction strategies in
February due to cuts to the 2007/2008 budget and
impending cuts to the 2008/2009 budget.
- Hiring freeze for
all non-mission critical positions
- Limited travel
- No promotional or
salary increase for District administrators and
support staff
- Supplies and
equipment centrally managed for School and
District offices to minimize non-critical
purchases
Proposed Reductions
Duval County Public
Schools is working with the School Board and
employee bargaining representatives to determine the
best solution to the revenue shortfall. The
following is a list of proposed reductions, not yet
confirmed:
- Modified health
benefits and costs
- No salary increases
for school based employees
- Shortened work
schedule (days and hours)
- Reduction of
personnel, except academic teachers
- Reduced funding for
programs
Legislative Requests
- Class Size Reduction
relief
- Allow District to
use ¼ of the 2 mil capital outlay millage for
operating costs
- Use School
Recognition funds for overall school operating
funds
- Utilize unexpended
teacher performance pay (MAP – Merit Award
Program) funds for overall operating
More DCPS News
