HUNTINGTON BEACH : High School District Faces Difficult Cuts

Based on Gov. Pete Wilson’s recent budget proposal for next year, the Huntington Beach Union High School District this spring will have to slash $3.1 million from its spending plan, Supt. David Hagen announced at this week’s school board meeting.

Having already cut $14.5 million in the past five years, the school board next month will begin discussing the latest round of reductions, which may force the elimination of key programs and the layoff of school nurses, psychologists and other employees, Hagen said.

For months, district officials have known that they will face cuts of at least $1.5 million from an $80-million budget. But more accurate estimates had not been known until Wilson outlined his 1992-93 state budget plan last week.

Under the governor’s plan, school districts’ income will remain at the same level as this year, Hagen said. The district, however, projects $1.6 million in increased costs, which it must pay, in addition to an existing $1.5-million deficit, he said.

Because the district’s reserves have been so depleted in recent years, it cannot dip into that account next year as it has in the past, Hagen told trustees.

The district’s financial problems have been caused by education budget cutbacks, coupled with plummeting enrollment. Between 1978 and 1990, the school district’s enrollment fell from 21,193 to 13,351. Since its enrollment peak in 1978, the district’s state revenues have dropped by about $29 million.

During other budget-cutting moves, trustees have consistently worked to minimize layoffs by eliminating vacant positions, reducing supplies, dramatically shrinking administrative spending and consolidating certain school programs.

But it appears that the district can cut no further in those areas, officials said. Last spring, board members narrowly averted a proposal to eliminate half the district’s school nurses and psychologists. That proposal, among others, almost certainly will resurface when the board faces this year’s cuts.

According to Hagen, 87% of this year’s budget--excluding restricted accounts, which can be used only for specific purposes, such as special education, and which cannot be changed--are allocated for salaries and benefits. “Therefore,” he said, “when we make cuts, most will be in the personnel area.”

Two residents at the school board meeting argued that the school board should not cut programs or jobs, but should freeze or roll back teachers’ salaries. “You’re giving away more than you can afford in that area,” resident Jim Ball told trustees.

Trustee Jerry Sullivan retorted angrily, calling the critics “mean-spirited and cynical” for suggesting that teachers are overpaid.

“You have the idea that teachers should take a pay cut,” Sullivan said in response. “But what is the most important work going on in society? It’s obvious that you and I disagree on that. I think it’s teaching.”