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PROPOSED BUDGET PLAN PUTS STUDENTS FIRST MIAMI – Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew today unveiled a proposed three-year budget plan to deal with nearly $205 million in expected funding cuts and increased operating costs. The proposed budget plan represents a proactive way of dealing with financial challenges that may lie ahead. It allows for continued growth of the District's educational mission while building a more stable, competitive school district. "We are looking at how we can redesign our system, make the hard choices, and move forward, while constantly improving educational opportunities for our students," said Crew. The plan puts students first in all budget considerations while making the District more nimble in its operations and allowing the possibility to maximize timely opportunities that arise. It will also provide stability to the system and incentives for innovation. Additionally, no personnel layoffs are anticipated. Since 2005, Miami-Dade County Public Schools has successfully dealt with more than $341 million in funding cuts caused by Florida's economic slowdown, as well as policy changes including the loss of the District Cost Differential. And although Miami-Dade serves 13 percent of Florida's students, the District receives only five percent of Capital Class Size Reduction funds. A national survey based on state income has revealed that Florida ranks 50th in K-12 education funding. In spite of the funding cutbacks, the District has reduced its central office costs and has consistently dedicated more funds to the classroom. The District now has the lowest central office cost percentage among South Florida school districts. Meanwhile, student funding has been increased by nearly $1,500 in three years and competitive grants awarded to the District have increased by more than 400 percent. The District also has managed to increase employee salaries and boost reserve funds. "We will continue to ask for our fair share of funding," said Crew. "In the meantime, we will move ahead to the benefit of our students." ### 07-JJS/232 |
