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Information from
State of Michigan
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Superintendent Cousins Shares Budget Message in Podcast (5-19-11) Click here to view Superintendent Cousins' most recent podcast. 2011-2012 Budget Reduction Recommendations Approved by Board (5-17-11) On Monday, May 16, the Board of Education approved the recommended budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. The time table for review is as follows: - Our aim is to balance TCAPS' Budget in the next 18 months
- May 9 - Board reviewed the recommendations presented on April 25
- May 16 - Board officially acted on the recommendations
- Late June 2011, the Budget for 2011-2012 will be adopted
2011-2012 Budget Recommendations Q&A (updated 5-10-11) At the May 9 Board of Education Meeting held at Central High School, the Board further examined the budget recommendations. Click here to view the presentation and additional Q&As. May 6 Education and the Economy in the Wake of Proposed Budget Cuts: A Regional Perspective Forum (updated 5-9-11) The TC Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum on Friday, May 6, for area business representatives on the impact of the education cuts from the State of Michigan and how our region can respond to provide a better future for our children. Click here to view the presentation and panel discussion. 2011-2012 Budget Reduction Recommendations
(4-26-11) On Monday, April 25, Superintendent Cousins presented recommended budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. The time table for review is as follows: - Our aim is to balance TCAPS' Budget in the next 18 months
- May 9 - Board will review the recommendations presented on April 25
- May 16 - Board will officially act on the recommendations
- Late June 2011, the Budget for 2011-2012 will be adopted
These recommendations go very deep and are very painful to consider, but we have passed the threshold of being able to use fund balance to fill in structural deficits in the budget. The cuts proposed by the Governor and both chambers of the legislature, only make a precarious budget situation worse. We wish we did not have to propose these cuts; if we don't make these cuts, the district will be in deficit within 12 months. The Board will not adopt the official budget until June when we hold our public hearing. Up until that date, we will continue to update the variables that impact our budget projections; these variables could increase or decrease our deficit. We will need to wait on health insurance cost increases, foundation grant allowance from the state, and non-personnel cost indicators like fuel before we can finalize our recommendations to the Board. We anticipate that these variables will be in place by the time we hold our official budget hearing in June. We know that this is extremely stressful, and it seems that a good deal gets unfairly pointed at education employees. The fact of the matter is that our state economy has changed with the huge downturn in the automotive industry, and the continuous loss of revenue is hammering the State Budget. We will keep working with our legislators to find equitable solutions to our problems. In all of this, the TCAPS teachers, administrators, and support staff continue to work hard to do their very best for our children. As we progress, we will continue to post information on our Web site. 2011-2012 Budget Planning
Update from Superintendent Cousins
(updated 4-11-11) As TCAPS' 2011-2012 budget planning process continues, I want to update you on our timelines and let you know that input from TCAPS' Budget Focus Groups is being compiled and analyzed at this time. An all inclusive list of budget reduction suggestions from recent budget focus group meetings was presented to the Board at the April 11 board meeting. The list of suggestions has been organized based on focus group input regarding whether suggestions were perceived to have a low, medium, or high impact on student learning. The suggestions will be analyzed further based on variables that include impact on student learning, as well as impact on enrollment, timing for the reduction, and what reductions are within Board control. We will also be adding budget variables that we have left out in our projections so far. These variables are projections to date and include cost increases related to health insurance, steps in contracts, programming changes, and the cost of fuel. These variables will increase our projected deficit. Up to this point, our projection has only included the increase in the retirement rate and the decrease in funding indicated in Governor Snyder's budget proposal. Governor Snyder's budget cuts to the School Aid Fund will necessitate reductions in our budget that will significantly impact every area of TCAPS operations. At the Board of Education meeting on April 25th, I will recommend reductions to the 2011-2012 budget. The recommendations will be based on the best information we have on that date. The Board will act on the recommended cuts to the TCAPS budget in May following the State's Revenue Estimating Conference. A final budget for TCAPS will be adopted by the Board in June following a public hearing. I want to underscore that the status of the State's budget is constantly changing as deliberations continue between the executive and legislative branches. I will do my best to keep you informed as the variables impacting our budget become more concrete. |
Superintendent Cousins Shares Budget Message in Podcast (5-19-11) Click here to view Superintendent Cousins' most recent podcast. 2011-2012 Budget Reduction Recommendations Approved by Board (5-17-11) On Monday, May 16, the Board of Education approved the recommended budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. The time table for review is as follows: - Our aim is to balance TCAPS' Budget in the next 18 months
- May 9 - Board reviewed the recommendations presented on April 25
- May 16 - Board officially acted on the recommendations
- Late June 2011, the Budget for 2011-2012 will be adopted
2011-2012 Budget Recommendations Q&A (updated 5-10-11) At the May 9 Board of Education Meeting held at Central High School, the Board further examined the budget recommendations. Click here to view the presentation and additional Q&As. May 6 Education and the Economy in the Wake of Proposed Budget Cuts: A Regional Perspective Forum (updated 5-9-11) The TC Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum on Friday, May 6, for area business representatives on the impact of the education cuts from the State of Michigan and how our region can respond to provide a better future for our children. Click here to view the presentation and panel discussion. 2011-2012 Budget Reduction Recommendations
(4-26-11) On Monday, April 25, Superintendent Cousins presented recommended budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. The time table for review is as follows: - Our aim is to balance TCAPS' Budget in the next 18 months
- May 9 - Board will review the recommendations presented on April 25
- May 16 - Board will officially act on the recommendations
- Late June 2011, the Budget for 2011-2012 will be adopted
These recommendations go very deep and are very painful to consider, but we have passed the threshold of being able to use fund balance to fill in structural deficits in the budget. The cuts proposed by the Governor and both chambers of the legislature, only make a precarious budget situation worse. We wish we did not have to propose these cuts; if we don't make these cuts, the district will be in deficit within 12 months. The Board will not adopt the official budget until June when we hold our public hearing. Up until that date, we will continue to update the variables that impact our budget projections; these variables could increase or decrease our deficit. We will need to wait on health insurance cost increases, foundation grant allowance from the state, and non-personnel cost indicators like fuel before we can finalize our recommendations to the Board. We anticipate that these variables will be in place by the time we hold our official budget hearing in June. We know that this is extremely stressful, and it seems that a good deal gets unfairly pointed at education employees. The fact of the matter is that our state economy has changed with the huge downturn in the automotive industry, and the continuous loss of revenue is hammering the State Budget. We will keep working with our legislators to find equitable solutions to our problems. In all of this, the TCAPS teachers, administrators, and support staff continue to work hard to do their very best for our children. As we progress, we will continue to post information on our Web site. 2011-2012 Budget Planning
Update from Superintendent Cousins
(updated 4-11-11) As TCAPS' 2011-2012 budget planning process continues, I want to update you on our timelines and let you know that input from TCAPS' Budget Focus Groups is being compiled and analyzed at this time. An all inclusive list of budget reduction suggestions from recent budget focus group meetings was presented to the Board at the April 11 board meeting. The list of suggestions has been organized based on focus group input regarding whether suggestions were perceived to have a low, medium, or high impact on student learning. The suggestions will be analyzed further based on variables that include impact on student learning, as well as impact on enrollment, timing for the reduction, and what reductions are within Board control. We will also be adding budget variables that we have left out in our projections so far. These variables are projections to date and include cost increases related to health insurance, steps in contracts, programming changes, and the cost of fuel. These variables will increase our projected deficit. Up to this point, our projection has only included the increase in the retirement rate and the decrease in funding indicated in Governor Snyder's budget proposal. Governor Snyder's budget cuts to the School Aid Fund will necessitate reductions in our budget that will significantly impact every area of TCAPS operations. At the Board of Education meeting on April 25th, I will recommend reductions to the 2011-2012 budget. The recommendations will be based on the best information we have on that date. The Board will act on the recommended cuts to the TCAPS budget in May following the State's Revenue Estimating Conference. A final budget for TCAPS will be adopted by the Board in June following a public hearing. I want to underscore that the status of the State's budget is constantly changing as deliberations continue between the executive and legislative branches. I will do my best to keep you informed as the variables impacting our budget become more concrete. |
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2011-2012 Budget Planning Process
View a brief video that provides an overview of the budget
presentation being shared at TCAPS' Budget Focus Groups
taking place during March and April.
Letter to the Community
(March 18, 2011)
Dear Community:
As you know, the State of Michigan has experienced the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Overall tax revenues to the state budget have been declining for eight years. One time Federal funding sources used to fill the State budget structural deficit have run out. During this time of economic downturn, TCAPS district and our employees have been good stewards of the community’s resources. Over the last 8 years, TCAPS has reduced its budget expenditures by $13,000,000. Every area of operations has been impacted; it has been a painful and difficult process. In the midst of all this, TCAPS staff members have worked hard to keep student learning first in our planning and implementation.
In spite of the hard work done to become more efficient, TCAPS has accumulated a structural deficit of $3,200,000. This has been the result of spending down the District’s Fund Balance to fill the ever-increasing hole created by the decreased funding coming from the State. Governor Snyder’s 2012 budget proposal cuts school funding by $470 per student, removing $895 million in School Aid Funding in the process. This cut will result in a loss of $4,700,000 in revenue to TCAPS. Additionally, the Governor’s budget calls for a significant increase in the retirement rate; from 20.66% to 24.46%. This will decrease funds available for all other expenditures by $2,000,000.
For the past three years, the State Government has been relying on one-time funding from the Federal Government to help fill the hole created by the decrease in revenues. This year TCAPS received $1,100,000 from the Federal Government in the form of EdJobs Bill funding. TCAPS will use the remaining $1,100,000 of that funding to decrease the deficit for 2011-2012.
There are many other factors that contribute to TCAPS’ budget. By isolating only three, one can see how much of a gap the State budget creates for our school district:
- 2010-2011 deficit carry over = $3,200,000
- Decrease in the Foundation Grant = $3,000,000
- Retirement rate increase to 24.46% = $2,000,000
Without adding other budget factors like inflationary increases for fuel, materials and supplies, health insurance rate increases, and potential enrollment declines TCAPS has a projected deficit of $8,200,000. By using the remaining EdJobs Bill funding, TCAPS can reduce that gap to $7,100,000.
To address the gap in funding, we are using a process for budget review that keeps student learning at the center of our target. Budget focus groups are being convened throughout the district to brainstorm, analyze and prioritize cuts to the budget. These suggestions will be consolidated and the Finance Department will determine the scope of each cut. Final recommendations will go to the Board of Education by May. Final approval of the budget will occur in June.
Our school system is heading down a very difficult road along with public school districts throughout Michigan, and it does not appear that we will get much help from our lawmakers. I always hope for a change in the economic environment, and I will continue to advocate tenaciously for increased funding from the Michigan Legislature and Governor. Through all of this, we will keep student programming as our highest priority.
Please take the time to advocate for our students with our legislators and Governor. I have attached the contact information for each.
Sincerely,
Stephen Cousins
|
|
2011-2012 Budget Planning Process
View a brief video that provides an overview of the budget
presentation being shared at TCAPS' Budget Focus Groups
taking place during March and April.
Letter to the Community
(March 18, 2011)
Dear Community:
As you know, the State of Michigan has experienced the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Overall tax revenues to the state budget have been declining for eight years. One time Federal funding sources used to fill the State budget structural deficit have run out. During this time of economic downturn, TCAPS district and our employees have been good stewards of the community’s resources. Over the last 8 years, TCAPS has reduced its budget expenditures by $13,000,000. Every area of operations has been impacted; it has been a painful and difficult process. In the midst of all this, TCAPS staff members have worked hard to keep student learning first in our planning and implementation.
In spite of the hard work done to become more efficient, TCAPS has accumulated a structural deficit of $3,200,000. This has been the result of spending down the District’s Fund Balance to fill the ever-increasing hole created by the decreased funding coming from the State. Governor Snyder’s 2012 budget proposal cuts school funding by $470 per student, removing $895 million in School Aid Funding in the process. This cut will result in a loss of $4,700,000 in revenue to TCAPS. Additionally, the Governor’s budget calls for a significant increase in the retirement rate; from 20.66% to 24.46%. This will decrease funds available for all other expenditures by $2,000,000.
For the past three years, the State Government has been relying on one-time funding from the Federal Government to help fill the hole created by the decrease in revenues. This year TCAPS received $1,100,000 from the Federal Government in the form of EdJobs Bill funding. TCAPS will use the remaining $1,100,000 of that funding to decrease the deficit for 2011-2012.
There are many other factors that contribute to TCAPS’ budget. By isolating only three, one can see how much of a gap the State budget creates for our school district:
- 2010-2011 deficit carry over = $3,200,000
- Decrease in the Foundation Grant = $3,000,000
- Retirement rate increase to 24.46% = $2,000,000
Without adding other budget factors like inflationary increases for fuel, materials and supplies, health insurance rate increases, and potential enrollment declines TCAPS has a projected deficit of $8,200,000. By using the remaining EdJobs Bill funding, TCAPS can reduce that gap to $7,100,000.
To address the gap in funding, we are using a process for budget review that keeps student learning at the center of our target. Budget focus groups are being convened throughout the district to brainstorm, analyze and prioritize cuts to the budget. These suggestions will be consolidated and the Finance Department will determine the scope of each cut. Final recommendations will go to the Board of Education by May. Final approval of the budget will occur in June.
Our school system is heading down a very difficult road along with public school districts throughout Michigan, and it does not appear that we will get much help from our lawmakers. I always hope for a change in the economic environment, and I will continue to advocate tenaciously for increased funding from the Michigan Legislature and Governor. Through all of this, we will keep student programming as our highest priority.
Please take the time to advocate for our students with our legislators and Governor. I have attached the contact information for each.
Sincerely,
Stephen Cousins
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