FY 2007-2008 Budget Review Teams

The Anchorage School District assembled budget review teams made up of community volunteers to help the administration and the school board prepare the budget for the 2007-2008 school year. Cuts to programs and staff are anticipated to balance the 2007-2008 budget. Early estimates suggest the budget gap will be at least $28 million. The rising cost of fuel and utilities, increases in the district’s contribution to the state retirement systems and existing contracts all contribute significantly to this shortfall. Budget review teams will help prioritize budget expenditures by analyzing specific department budgets and making recommendations for cuts and/or revenue enhancements.

A call for citizen volunteers who were interested in participating on a team and who could meet the significant time commitment was made in September. Those volunteers will be assigned to a team and will begin meeting on Thursday, September 28. Members can expect to meet 6-8 times before the end of November.

Budget Review Teams, meeting schedule, and proposed timelines

Budget review teams were asked to do the following:

• Look for economies.
• Find duplication of efforts or services.
• Look for program alternatives that can provide services to students in more effective ways.
• Provide appropriate recommendations; i.e., reductions cannot violate the law or terms of existing contracts.
• Provide the impact of services that will result from the recommendations made.
• Identify revenue enhancements to support programs.
• Identify and prioritize recommendations for potential reductions.
• May review those negotiated union agreements which are applicable to your area and make suggestions for changes to be considered in the next round of bargaining.

We welcome your comments and suggestions about the budget process

Learn more about ASD's budget

• Budget Review Team Overview
• Take the ASD budget quiz
• PERS/TRS Fact Sheet - State pensions increase ASD budget gap to more than $83 million