State Shortfall May Hurt Schools Budget

Planning for a San Diego city school district budget has been complicated by new data from state officials in Sacramento, the Board of Education was told Tuesday.

Initial district estimates for next year’s budget show a net revenue increase of about $22.4 million, enough to allow some small program increases and a $14-million reserve for salary increases and new programs.

However, new state revenue projections may fall substantially short of those issued in January. The state may be short $1.1 billion to $2.2 billion, which would leave the district $12.8 million to $27 million less than earlier estimated. Such a revenue reduction would force the district to make substantial cuts, similar to the controversial cuts made in 1986-87.