SUHS also talks budget

Sonora Union High School District’s regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday night, along with a public hearing on the proposed 2012-13 fiscal year budget.

The district will also consider placing a general obligation bond issue on the ballot this November, which would raise between $19 million and $27 million for renovating aging school facilities.

The bond issue would increase property taxes on homes within Sonora Union High School District boundaries. The cost would be $25 to $30 for every $100,000 of assessed value.

The district’s proposed budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year anticipates a general fund balance of nearly $1.3 million for basic expenditures, like salaries and supplies. 

The ending balance, after the district takes in revenues and uses it to pay costs throughout the year, is now projected at $402,930. 

The proposed budget assumes Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed tax increases do not pass a vote in November. 

Sonora High’s budget was labeled “qualified” in March, meaning that the district may not be able to meet its financial obligations within the next two fiscal years. 

District Chief Business Official Kim Burr projected that the general fund balance would be only $4,000 by the end of next school year. 

Since the March report, the district’s financial prospects have improved due to restored transportation funding and other factors.

However, Burr’s most recent financial report states that “deep cuts” may be necessary starting in 2013-14 if state funding levels don’t increase. 

These cuts may include a 20-day reduction to the 2013-14 school year and a further five-day reduction in 2014-15. 

A provision in Brown’s proposed budget would allow a total reduction of 15 school days within the next two years if his tax initiative doesn’t pass. 

Sonora High’s budget for the 2012-13 school year does not include a reduction in school days.

As a cost-saving measure, the district will not offer its adult education program during the fall semester. It also cut ceramics classes for next year. 

PUBLIC MEETING: Sonora Union High School District Board of Trustees, 6 p.m. Tuesday, District Office Conference Room, 100 School St., Sonora.