SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : School Trustees to Discuss Budget Cuts

The Capistrano Unified School District’s Board of Trustees tonight will discuss a list of proposed cuts that may be needed to balance a projected $8.9-million shortfall in next year’s budget.

In a “worst-case scenario,” officials said the budget deficit could grow even bigger if the district receives less money than anticipated from the state in lottery funds, cost of living adjustment and other revenues, said Supt. James A. Fleming.

Among the possibilities trustees will discuss are an increase in class sizes, the reduction of the number of assistant principals at elementary schools and vice principals at high schools, and the elimination of the district’s music program for kindergarten through third grade.

Also being proposed is a new system in which parents would pay for busing. District staff is proposing that a committee be formed to study that possibility. Busing for special education students would not be included.

A comprehensive list of possible reductions also includes the elimination of some teaching and staff positions.

Last month, trustees voted to send preliminary layoff notices to 284 teachers and administrators. District officials said the notices were sent out only to meet a state deadline and that layoffs will occur only if the district fails to find another solution to balancing the projected budget shortfall.

The board will be presented with a final proposed budget in June. It is scheduled to adopt adopt a final 1992-93 budget on June 15 after a public hearing.

The board meets at 7:30 p.m. at 32972 Calle Perfecto.