(BRADENTON, FL - March 20, 2008) Manatee District officials estimate at least $20.9 million must be cut from current programs and operations to balance the budget for the 2008-2009 school year. This estimate is based on the most current information available as school districts across Florida labor to formulate budgets in the face of unprecedented fiscal challenges..

The latest cost-cutting for Florida's public schools is the result of a variety of factors which have combined to reduce the state's sales tax revenues by billions of dollars in recent years. Factors that have contributed to reduced revenues include a severe slump in the state's housing market, a consistent decline in population growth and rising fuel prices. Also, the recent passage of Amendment One, a property-tax reform proposal approved by Florida voters, is expected to result in additional revenue reductions for Florida's public schools.

A $20.9 million budget reduction means every program, position and provision of the school district is being reviewed and evaluated. As the budget process moves forward, employees at all levels of the district are being consulted and encouraged to provide input. After accumulating ideas and suggestions from employees and other stakeholders, recommendations will be made to the Manatee County School Board, which has final authority and responsibility.

So far, the district has developed a list of approximately $28.5 million in possible cuts for employees and other stakeholders to review and discuss. Included in those proposals are cuts to district department budgets of nearly 11%, and cuts to individual school budgets of just over 4%.

In the past, the Manatee County School Board has worked hard to avoid layoffs, and the retention of current employees will remain a priority of paramount importance. However, the extraordinary nature of the cuts being forced upon the district means all sectors of the school district will have to share in the sacrifices and solutions for the budget reductions to be reached.

In addition to the above measures, district officials will continue to work diligently to hold elected leaders to their promise to “hold education harmless” regarding the impact of Amendment One. District officials will also continue to ask legislators to make reasonable decisions regarding implementation of the Class-Size Amendment while school districts struggle to construct budgets to account for the reduction in revenues.

“No matter what decisions we ultimately make, these cuts are going to lead to a reduction in non-instructional services for our children and will change the way we do business,” said Superintendent Dr. Roger Dearing. “We look forward to working with our employees to find creative ways to live within the revenues provided to us.”

Regardless of the financial situation, the district remains steadfastly devoted to its stated mission:

“To inspire our students with a passion for learning, empowered to pursue their dreams confidently and creatively while contributing to our community, nation and world.”