$4 million in cuts were made for 2009-2010;
economy and fewer students to blame
(June 2009)

LPS worked with its Financial Advisory Committee to manage down a $4 million shortfall for the 2009-2010 school year.  This shortfall was anticipated; the mill levy passed by voters in 2004 was designed to bridge LPS over difficult financial times until about 2009-2010.  It did exactly that, and now LPS has reached the end of those funds.  A smaller student population along with the economic downturn means a budget shortfall for LPS.

In September 2008, the district's Financial Advisory Committee was expanded to represent additional perspectives, including additional community members and district staff members.  The group met seven times over a two-month period.

In November 2008, the Financial Advisory Committee presented to the superintendent its recommendations for managing down the $4 million shortfall.  These recommendations were shared with the Board at its December 11, 2008 meeting.
View the presentation.

Superintendent Scott Murphy agreed with many of the Committee's recommendations and noted that the final solution to this budget shortfall would likely include further reductions in staff and budgets at the Education Services Center, cuts to teaching staff, reductions to district contributions to employee benefits, and increased fees. 

The Board of Education heard the details of the budget reduction plan at its April 23, 2009 Board of Education meeting.  It took action in June 2009.