CAPS looking at reduction for budget crunch

CADILLAC - “Our cup is half full.”

Those are the words that Cadillac Area Public Schools Superintendent Paul Liabenow used to describe the budget for next school year Monday at the board of education meeting. That being said there are some tough decisions ahead before the budget is balanced.

The district is facing a $750,000 shortfall for next year and Liabenow and the CAPS Board of Education asked all staff and community members to help them out with ideas and recommendations on where they thought reductions could be made. The recommendations for the budget were compiled over a six month period with the purpose of getting a new perspective on ways to reduce the budget.

“It is a process, an ugly process. It is very disheartening but it is a fact of life we have to face,” Liabenow said. “We have to do a piece at a time and to continue to be strong.”

Some of the areas reductions could be made in are the athletic department, food services, transportation and right sizing in the face of having 65 fewer students next year than this year.

The athletic department could be faced with reducing another $40,000 for next year after reducing $70,000 for the current year. Likewise, an Aramark secretary could be reduced at a saving of $60,000. The transportation reduction would be in the form of a bus which would save about $50,000.

Other reductions include driver's training being administered by Baker College rather than the district at a savings of $46,000.

On the bright side, additional revenues in the form of sports venue advertising, grants and increases in the foundation allowance will help to lighten the burden or make the cup half full.

Although there have been no increases to the foundation allowance in recent years, that ended this past year when an increase of $175 per pupil was awarded. The school aid bill in the state Senate provides an increase of $225 for all districts and an additional $60 to districts with foundation allowances below $7,160.

The question will be whether there are funds to cover the increases, Liabenow said during the meeting.

“It is still in debate in the house and the senate. It is all good news but will there be money to pay for it?” he said. “We are certainly thankful not having a proration. Our cup is half full.”

The CAPS Board of Education is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. June 12 at Central Office, 421 S. Mitchell St.

rcharmoli@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)