SIMI VALLEY : Schools’ Deficit May Hit $5 Million

Preliminary budget figures show that Simi Valley schools could face a $2-million to $5-million deficit in the coming school year, officials said Wednesday.

Figures in the $66.6-million draft budget take into account Gov. Pete Wilson’s proposed state budget, which calls for cuts in educational funding. Simi Valley officials say some grant and state funds are not included in the district’s initial budget because it is unclear how much the 18,000-student district will receive.

“We’re going to have to be very careful and monitor everything,” Assistant Supt. Mary Beth Wolford said. “With the cuts we made last year, further cuts will be difficult.”

The district’s preliminary budget is based on high school students being limited to five classes a day rather than six, which would result in 18 to 20 fewer secondary teaching positions, Associate Supt. Al Jacobs said. He said the district is not planning to lay off any teachers. Any cutbacks would be absorbed through retirement and reassignments, he said.

The draft budget contains no money for new teacher raises. Negotiations between union and district representatives recently began; the present contract expires in June.

School board members voted Tuesday to save the district about $100,000 by combining Wolford’s duties of business and property management with the financial and legislative duties previously handled by Associate Supt. Cathi Vogel, who left last week.

Last year, the district approved a $73.4-million budget that reflected $8 million in cuts, including layoffs of 32 temporary teachers and 28 clerical and service employees.

The district is expected to end the 1990-91 fiscal year in June with a $583,000 deficit, attributed mainly to a county tax collection bill and lower lottery receipts, said Michele McClowry, director of fiscal services. The shortfall will be covered by reserve lottery funds, she said.