PLACENTIA : District May Face $7.7-Million Cut

Officials of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District estimate that they will have to trim $7.7 million from the district’s budget for 1992-93, a situation that mirrors last year’s fiscal difficulties.

The budget projections--which surprised some trustees when they were outlined last week--raise the prospect of layoffs and substantial cuts in programs. Last year, 144 full-time positions were eliminated.

“It is horrendous,” said trustee Barbara Williams. “The $7.7 million is probably going to be a shock for people, especially compared to what we did last year. We’re looking at some things that are pretty devastating.”

The district came up with its forecast after Gov. Pete Wilson unveiled the state budget last month. Although Wilson’s plan includes a 1.5% cost-of-living increase, district officials expect it could be much less after lawmakers consider the proposal.

“It’s very worrisome to us,” said Kim Stallings, the assistant superintendent for administrative services. “We could get even less funding than last year.”

In addition, the district’s three-year contract with its teachers union will expire at the end of this year. Stallings said the school budget estimates do not include any salary increases.

The district must issue preliminary layoff notices by March 15 and final notices two months later. Although the state budget picture has fluctuated in Sacramento, school officials have to prepare for the worst because of the personnel deadlines.

The budget estimates can also change as the district’s budget year comes to an end in June. At that time, district officials will know exactly how much they have spent in the 1991-92 year and can plan better for the next year.

“It’s a dynamic situation,” said trustee Bill Kielty. “It could change in a few months.”

District officials are expected to make recommendations for the budget this month, Stallings said.

Kielty has proposed placing a $100-a-home tax levy on this June’s ballot to raise about $5 million in revenue for the district. He hopes to take the proposal to the school board some time this month.

Last summer, however, a $17-a-home assessment was passed and then repealed by the school board. Opponents of that tax are also critical of Kielty’s plan.

“We were upset for $17. What makes you think we will go for a hundred?” said Luci Grismer of Placentia, who attended the school board meeting last week.