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Dear Families,
I hope this message finds you well. Before jumping into the complicated details, I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude for everyone's support and patience during an unusual start to our school year with leadership transitions. I am always impressed with the community support here in Bennett Valley.
As returning families are likely aware, the BVUSD budget requires ongoing adjustments based on our three-year projections. This was recently emphasized in a (corrected 10.7.24) letter from SCOE’s Department of Fiscal Services, which approved our 2024-25 budget but raised concerns about projected structural deficits and declining reserve percentages.
In response to feedback about last year’s budget reduction process, we are proposing a different approach: the BVUSD Budget Study Forum. I’m pleased to announce that Ron Calloway, former Mark West superintendent and recent interim principal at Yulupa, has agreed to facilitate this new, collaborative process.
The Budget Study Forum is designed to provide accurate information, explore possibilities, and gather authentic input from as many community members. Please review details about the Study Forum, and consider submitting your interest (using the link below).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BUDGET STUDY FORUM
What is the proposed BVUSD Budget Study Forum?
The Study Forum will serve as a platform for stakeholders to ask questions and share information, as it relates to our current budget and necessary cuts. The primary purpose is to facilitate two-way communication about BVUSD’s fiscal realities, potential new revenue opportunities, and the impact of various scenarios for the 2025-26 school year.
What kind of information will be shared?
Participants will have opportunities to ask questions (which will thereby drive content), but we anticipate covering:
School funding models BVUSD revenues - including exploration of potential new revenue (e.g. a charter conversion - incidentally an area of Ron Calloway’s expertise) The status of the State Budget and its impact on BVUSD Community priorities and district goals Fiscal solvency challenges Our current deficit and primary expenditures Potential cost-saving opportunities that minimize impact on students & staff
What are the Study Forum Dates?
The forum will consist of four 2-hour sessions on Wednesdays from 2:00 - 4:00. Some sessions may finish early, and we may not need all four.
Session #1 - Wednesday, October 16; 2:00 - 4:00 Session #2 - Wednesday, October 30; 2:00 - 4:00 Session #3 - Wednesday, November 13; 2:00 - 4:00 Session #4 - Wednesday, November 20; 2:00 - 4:00
Who can participate?
Initially, we’ve opened the forum to all BVUSD employees. Depending on employee interest, we’ll allocate a proportional number of seats to BVUSD families.
What is required to participate?
Participants should have the time, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in all four sessions.
Are participants responsible for making fiscal decisions?
No. Ultimately, the Board of Trustees make decisions with superintendent input.
The forum’s purpose is to discuss potential scenarios, provide input, and suggest alternatives.
How will progress and decisions be communicated?
We will co-create meeting summaries, to ensure accurate, fair communication. Later, we will hold a BVUSD Board Study Session (open to the public) which will review the forum’s progress with Trustees.
How will parent participants be selected?
There is no criteria for participation - other than our desire to include families from a variety of grade levels. The number of parent participants depends upon employee participation (which we will know by October 9, when the survey closes).
How will families receive confirmation of their participation?
Selected parents will receive an email between October 11 - October 14.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. I look forward to working together in navigating these challenges.
In Partnership,
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