Why we need to study our use of facilities

How will we continue our progress during a challenging economy?

We are in tough times and need your input and ideas to help us survive the economic crisis we all face. More than 80 percent of California’s school district budgets come from the state. California funding of schools remains unstable and inadequate. In Sac City, we have cut more than $90 million from our general fund budget over the past seven years. We also saw an overall decline in our K-12 enrollment of approximately 10,000 students over the last decade. That enrollment decline means less funding for our children and schools. Despite these budget blows, our district scored annual gains in student performance for all groups of children, thanks to our dedicated Board of Education, staff, parents, and many community partners.

Continuous improvement is a hallmark of our district, but new gains are threatened if we do not prepare for the continuing economic crisis. This requires additional measures to bring in new revenue and reduce expenses. To assure a balanced 2008-09 budget, we cut $20.4 million. Because of California’s fiscal crisis we may have to make historic mid-year cuts of $5 to $30 million. 

To improve achievement and to prepare for the proposed budget reductions we must look at all possible areas of cost savings and revenue increases. Creative scrutiny of district facilities may promise both savings and new revenue.

Our facilities are assets that can be leased or used for services that boost achievement and help families. We may also need to combine or close schools to ensure we can support the best educational program possible and make the best use of our sites. We do not want or expect to sell our properties as we do expect to see pupil enrollment grow. We do want to better serve our community and do so more effectively and efficiently. We need to look at our facilities by area in as many ways as possible. Please join in this effort. We need your input to make good decisions.

How can you help? Share your ideas on how to best use our facilities to help us remain fiscally solvent, and ensure outstanding learning environments and programs for our students. 

Please share your ideas and questions as we work to secure resources to ensure quality programs and the success of each student during these challenging times.

Susan Miller

Interim Superintendent

How to contact us or get more information:

District web site: www.scusd.edu

Email: District web site Facility Use Comment Box

Emails to the Comment Box will be directed to Interim Superintendent Susan Miller and all members of the Board of Education.

Telephone: (916) 643-9043

Letter: SCUSD Communications Office, 5735 47th Avenue   Sacramento, CA 95824

*Some of the above files are .pdf and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get it free.

Return to Top of Page

Return to Top of Page