We have just learned that the County Commissioners agreed at their Monday meeting to provide $250,000 in an effort to help delay our potential reduction in force.
This additional funding allows us to defer potential layoffs and program cuts so we can continue working with the County Commissioners to advocate for greater investment in our District. We appreciate their support during this challenging budget situation.
We are still faced with rising utility costs, increased staff benefits, substitute costs, and operational costs such as fluctuating District insurance costs (workers comp, property insurance, student accident insurance) and some mileage reimbursement for activity buses due to state adjustments in rates.
The ABSS leadership team met this afternoon to discuss our next steps, which include:
Our hiring freeze will remain in effect for non-teaching positions, bus drivers, and school nutrition.
Continued review of all purchases
Evaluating staffing levels in relation to the funding we receive. As part of this process, we will review all positions as we approach summer in preparation for the next school year. Preliminary budget conversations will begin in March. Our goal is to ensure we have appropriate staffing aligned with our budget constraints while minimizing disruption to educational services.
We appreciate the community's support as we continue to navigate these ongoing budget challenges.
We have an annual joint meeting with our state delegations and County Commissioners this week, and our Board will meet on Tuesday, February 13th, to discuss the next steps. A budget hearing is also planned for February 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. to seek public input.