San Marino Council Studies Ways to Boost School Budget
The San Marino City Council, concerned about “dire financial straits” in the affluent city’s school system, voted unanimously Wednesday to ask city staff members to find ways to shift money to schools from city programs.
The budget crunch is caused by shrinking state revenues due to falling enrollment in the schools, Councilman Michael Johnson said.
School Supt. Gary Richards said the district has cut back on textbook allowances and janitorial services, and has reduced in-school nursing “severely.” The high school dropped choral music several years ago, Richards added.
The school board will vote June 26 on a $10.3-million budget for the coming fiscal year.
While the school budget is administered by the school board, the council may legally shift city money to school programs, City Atty. Steve Dorsey said.
Meanwhile, the City Council on Wednesday approved a $7.6-million city operating budget and allocated $953,600 for capital improvements in the coming fiscal year.
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