Once again, it's time to discuss the district's budget for the coming school year. Last year our District cut a total of $3 million with $1.5 million coming from budget reductions and the remainder from the District's fund balance.

We are facing budget reductions for 2013 ranging from $3-$4 million. The reductions must be made to bring the District into compliance with a directive that requires the District to stay within its spending authority as authorized by the State of Iowa.

In Fall 2011, Superintendent Tate asked for the formation of a Resource Allocation Committee (RAC). The RAC is a group made up of 24 District employees and community members, which has been charged with making recommendations to the Superintendent on District budget reductions for 2013.

The RAC has met two to three times per month beginning in October. The group was given background on Iowa School finance and the District's finances, including any proposed reductions for 2011 that were not implemented. Committee members have heard presentations by department heads from Operations, Title I/Federal Programs/Nursing, Learning Information Services, Curriculum & Instruction, Athletics and Fine Arts. The committee then brainstormed ideas for both budget reductions and revenue generation.

The RAC recommendations will be presented to the Superintendent, who will then share those recommendations with the Board. District employees will be informed of the recommendations.

Finally, the RAC recommendations will be released to the public. A series of public forums is being planned for January 2012 to solicit questions and concerns regarding these recommendations. After considering all additional feedback, the administration will make a final a recommendation for the school board to consider in their final budget approval.

If you have additional questions, please email them to feedback@davenportschools.org.