Resources

Budget survival toolkit

July 30, 2009

Lean in Education  - This course in OSBA's Online Learning Center was originally presented to school administrators at the 2008 COSA Conference. Roger Jones and Joe Novello have graciously reprised this presentation for the benefit of school board members and others interested in creating greater efficiencies in our school districts and community colleges. Available free of charge. 

Letter to Superintendents from the Governor Dated April 9, 2009 (43k )
Letter to superintendents outlining 2009-11 school budget scenarios.

Surviving Tough Times Webinar - Review OSBA's webinar providing budget shortfall guidance.

Riding the Rapids: Preparing for Rough Times  -  Watch this budget presentation video for an example of a simple, inexpensive and effective way to keep stakeholders up to date about how your district is dealing with the economic crisis. Note the "fireside chat" aspects of this well-done video of Lincoln County School District Superintendent Tom Rinearson’s budget presentation. (Used with permission.)

Budget Reduction

Coming to Grips with Less for Everyone  - As fiscal reality worsens with each economic forecast, boards and unions face the challenge of “living within our means.” 

Shortening the School Year - Know the rules affecting this popular option. Outlines waivers and penalties, laws, contract language, effects on graduation and CIM. Handy flowchart shows how and when to handle contract issues. ODE Memo # 007-2008-2009 Shortened School Year Procedure

Potential Policy Impacts in a Climate of Shrinking Resources (21k ) - Get the comprehensive list of board policies specifically affected by budget cuts. 

Budget Communication Tools - Inform and involve your community in the process of setting spending priorities with these user-friendly and plain-English resources. Includes tips for communicating during budget reductions.

Ending Fund Balance: How much is enough? - Ending fund balance is an essential tool that districts can use to limit current and future risks such as revenue shortfalls and unexpected expenditures.

Subcontracting (14k ) - Employee contracts control how and whether you can replace staff such as custodians with contract help. Learn about waivers and bars in your contracts, interim vs. regular bargaining - and how to approach this touchy subject from the start.

Brief summary of the recovery act related to idea (19k ) - Information on the additional IDEA funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus package). Includes a summary of the expected overall increase in funding, what the Maintenance of Effort will be, and the issues of supplement/supplant. This information is from the Council of State Chief School Officers.

Unemployment Insurance Costs FAQ - Frequently asked question on the impacts of unemployment and how shorter years affect unemployment and education issues.

Sample Funding Clause - Contains language that can be included in a collective bargaining agreement as a safety net. Allows a re-negotiation of the economic portions (salary, insurance, etc.) of a labor agreement if there is insufficient revenue to fund the agreement.

Warning Signs of Early Closure (A Caution About Eliminating Days)

Where it Counts: Your Position at the Bargaining Table - advice for being effective, informed advocates at the bargaining table during Oregon’s budget shortfall.

Layoffs

Layoff Matrix - To assist in making merit and competence determinations when conducing layoffs with licensed staff and administrators.

Layoff and Recall Basics - As the revenue shortfall deepens, anticipate the future and make sure your procedures are legal and practical.

Preparing for Layoffs - on overview of the issues you need to think about when considering layoffs.

Sample Layoff/Recall Letters