What Is C-FB ISD's Financial Picture?

At the February School Board Work-Study Session on Resource Allocation, Mr. Mark Hyatt, associate superintendent for support services, reiterated to our Board members and those in attendance that because C-FB ISD has been planning and making reductions over several years, the district is in a better position to weather this school financial storm than many other districts for the upcoming school year.

If you recall from previous Focus Points, I have mentioned that our School Board and educational team have taken very seriously our strategic objective to "continuously increase operational effectiveness."  And, because we have been operationally effective and efficient, the district has maintained a strong reserve (general fund balance). 

As you look at the district's Fund Balance history and projection in the chart, you will see that the district is financial stable.  And even with a significant loss in 2012-2013, C-FB ISD can maintain well over the recommended 60 to 90 days of operational costs in reserves.  However, there are future concerns if the district drops below the recommended days in fund balance. 

We continue to streamline our operations and believe in this quote from District Leadership That Works by Robert Marzano and Timothy Waters:

"High performing districts ensure that the necessary resources, including time, money, personnel and materials are allocated to accomplish the District's goals. This can mean cutting back on or dropping initiatives that are not aligned with district goals for achievement and instruction."

As we presented the 2012-2013 proposed budget to the School Board, Mr. Hyatt explained that due to changes in state funding formulas as well as the expiration of federal stimulus funding, the district will have over $8 million less in available resources.

As we looked to the next year, the preliminary estimates are based on the following:

• No major reductions in staffing.  We will continue to reduce our staffing through regular attrition as our team members resign and retire.
• Limited reductions in district signature programs.  Programmatic changes are based on instructional needs because of our singular goal: "high achievement for all students." We are allocating our resources - time, money, personnel and materials where they can have the greatest benefit.
• Utilization of funds from the district's General Fund Balance and other reserves.

Although the current proposed 2012-2013 budget does show an approximate $11.9 million deficit, the staff  is using a system-based approach to analyze district programs, operations and services. The School Board, the district's governing body, developed three guiding objectives to prioritize the district's resource allocations and determine budget reductions. And, we are still seeking ways to reduce that deficit as we did in this current budget cycle.  Note:  The adopted 2011-2012 budget began with a $9.7 million deficit; the district is now estimating less than a $3.6 million deficit.

The Three Guiding Objectives

• Minimize the impact on student academic achievement
• Minimize the impact on non-academic special services and programs for all students, i.e., extra-curricular and co-curricular programming
• Minimize the impact on the ability to retain and attract quality staff

In the budget reduction process, the district leadership, campus leaders and the District Improvement Council took the three guiding objectives provided by the School Board and reviewed various programs, operations and services.  In the chart are examples of reductions for 2012-2013.  As with any budget, we will continue to review what additional reductions are viable.

In C-FB ISD, we believe in one goal: "high achievement for all students."  We also believe in re-engineering and restructuring our schools and programs so that we maximize our time, money, personnel and materials to benefit our students.  But, we need the community's support.  We invite you to join with us and be a vested partner in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District.  We also encourage you to share with us your thoughts about the district through Share Your Story or at cfbinfo@cfbisd.edu.