SIMI VALLEY : Schools May Face $1.5-Million Deficit

Preliminary budget figures show the Simi Valley Unified School District is facing a $1.5-million deficit in the coming school year, district officials said at a meeting Tuesday.

The $72.9-million draft budget, approved by the school board Tuesday night, reflects a 0.34% cost-of-living increase from the state and a decrease in state lottery funds, officials said.

Despite the apparent shortfall, officials say they do not anticipate any layoffs or cutbacks in educational services.

“Deficit spending is not unique, but it’s something to be concerned with,” said Mary Beth Wolford, deputy superintendent. “We took such drastic cuts in the past. We’re maintaining. That’s about it.”

Although money for annual employee raises is included in the draft budget, no funds are included for new salary increases. Negotiations are expected to begin next month between the teachers union and district representatives on salary increases and other issues.

Last year, the school district approved a $73-million budget that used $4.5 million in lottery funds to make up for a shortfall. The school district in 1990 laid off 32 temporary teachers and 28 clerical and service employees to reduce an $8-million deficit.

The 1992-93 final budget is expected to be approved in June.