Anticipating at least $42 million in state funding cuts for the next school year, Denver Public Schools administrators are calling for salary freezes, a reduction of 3.5 percent in every school budget and less money for special education.
No widespread teacher layoffs are expected for 2010-11, but targeted layoffs are likely, said David Suppes, DPS chief operating officer, in a presentation to the school board Wednesday.
“It’s impossible to think at this level of cuts there won’t be jobs lost,” Suppes said.
Throughout the state, school districts are beginning difficult discussions about their budgets as Colorado faces its worst revenue downturn since the Great Depression.
Cherry Creek is anticipating about $13 million in cuts next year, and Jefferson County is expecting about $40 million over the next two years.
In Denver, each school receives its own annual budget under a student- based budgeting format. The money each school receives is based on its student enrollment, allowing principals and school communities to make their own decisions about how to spend those funds.
With the anticipated 3.5 percent cut, principals next month will be faced with decisions on how many teachers they can afford or whether to cut other programs or positions.
“Schools have full flexibility,” said Superintendent Tom Boasberg, adding that new books and field trips may be set aside for teachers. “I think schools will prioritize for the retention of their school staffs.”
In addition to state cuts, DPS expects higher retirement-related costs and at least $3 million less money from the Denver Preschool Program — a tax-supported subsidy for early-childhood education.
The district also anticipates pulling $5 million from its reserves, reducing central administration budgets by 7 percent and cutting back special-ed funding by about $1.5 million — raising the student/teacher ratio for children with mild to moderate special needs by one student.
