Although Oswego school officials hope voters will back next month’s tax increase referendum question, they’re also preparing contingency plans for up to $6 million in spending cuts should it fail.
Oswego District 308 board members Monday were presented with proposed cost targets and a timetable to consider specific cuts in district education fund spending for 2005-06.
Preliminary reduction targets for 2005-06 include $2 million from elementary schools, $1.5 million between the district’s two high schools, $1.25 million in junior high cuts and $250,000 in trims at the district level.
If necessary, another round of cuts totaling $1 million could be considered by summer.
“We are facing a budget deficit of $5.5 million in 2005-06,” district Supt. David Behlow told the board.
“We need to either have a successful referendum or cut expenditures if we’re not successful.”
On Feb. 22, the district will ask voters for an education fund increase of 30 cents per $100 in equalized assessed valuation. Funds from that hike would offset deficits and maintain current programs. The hike would cost the owner of a home valued at $250,000 an additional $236.50 per year.
District officials plan to move swiftly on proposed cuts and have specific recommendations in place by Jan. 22.
The board could approve cuts at its Feb. 14 meeting, to be enacted pending the referendum question’s outcome.
