Deep Local Roots with Fresh Perspectives

Budget

THE BUDGET IS A LARGE, COMPLEX ISSUE

This is a topic that we've all heard about in the past. We've heard about it this year, and we'll hear about it every year in the future. The budget is a big deal. In good times or in bad, the management of a $27 Million budget is a formidable task, and one that is of crucial importance for both the short and long term health of the district. This task is even more challenging now as we continue to recover from one of the worst state budget crises that we've seen in many years, if ever. The budget shortfall in 2004 in the state of California was large. In an election year, it's nearly impossible to decipher how bad things really are since many of those responsible are trying to get re-elected and are using smoke and mirrors to hide the real facts. But we know we are in a difficult spot. The question is, just how bad will it be?

THE BOARD NEEDS TO BE CREATIVE

I wish I knew the answer to that question. What I do know is this... We need to be looking hard at new and creative ways to increase the revenues coming into the district. We need to find new ways for the community to help in both financial and non-financial ways to help counteract some of the inevitable damage that is going to be inflicted on us as the next several months come along. We also need to make darned sure that the school board, who is the end of the line in the district when it comes to making fiscal decisions, is equipped to handle these difficult issues.

MY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE AN ASSET TO THE BOARD

I can enhance the board's financial capabilities. To the best of my knowledge, there is only one current board member with appreciable business experience. This leaves us short in the area of business experience on the board. I have been in business management for over ten years, including time as a VP of Operations and an interim CFO. I have an MBA from one of the finest business schools in the country that includes one of the strongest finance faculties in the world. I have the education and experience to strengthen the board's ability to tighten our belt in lean times and maximize our return on investment in better times. I relish the opportunity to help improve the financial strength of the school district.

AS MUCH AS $4.5M IN NEW MONEY MAY BE AVAILABLE

I was recently made aware that there could be as much as $4.5M in new funding available to Sierra Sands if the district were to take advantage of all of the new opportunities presented in the most recent budget update from Sacramento. In addition to Cost of Living increases in the Base Revenue Limit/ADA, there are funds available for a number of special programs. For example, there is new money available to fund Supplemental Instructional Programs, School Facility Emergency Repairs, new Instructional Materials, K-3 and 9th Grade Class Reduction, The Governor's Science and Math Teacher Initiative, After School Programs, and many others. There are new grants available for Art and Music, Physical Education, and 7-12 grade School Counselors. While I am still reviewing the details of these opportunities, if even a fraction of the $4.5M represented here were acquired by the District, we would be far ahead of where we are today. As a member of your school board, I will ensure that we take advantage of all of these opportunities, as well as any others that may come up in the future.