SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Schools Unveil 2 Budget Proposals

Faced with possibly the worst budget crisis in its history, the Capistrano Unified School District took the unprecedented step Monday of unveiling not one but two 1992-93 budget proposals to deal with a shortfall estimated at $8.2 million to $12.7 million.

In a related action, a board majority approved a controversial program in which parents will start paying up to $180 per year, or $1 per school day, in busing fees for their children. The busing fee is expected to offset about $1.3 million in district costs.

“We’re not overdoing it by any means,” Trustee Paul B. Haseman told about 300 parents, teachers and staff members who crowded into the board room for the meeting. “We’re doing the best we can on a tough budget.”

Supt. James A. Fleming said the two budget proposals, one of which outlines a worst-case scenario, are needed since district officials are still unsure what cuts will be made by the state.

“The month of June is absolutely critical,” Fleming said. “The key people are in Sacramento. . . . What they decide in the next two weeks will determine the future of education.”

With the many remaining funding questions, the board will wait as long as possible and adopt a final budget after a special public hearing on June 29. The board will also take testimony on the budget during its regularly scheduled meeting June 15.

Several of the proposed cuts under both budget proposals are aimed at academic programs, including the elimination of the district’s music program for kindergarten through third grade, cuts to the Las Palmas Model School and a reduction in the number of assistant principals at elementary schools and vice principals at high schools.

Under the $114.8-million “austerity” budget proposal, average class sizes would increase by half a student, which would save about $700,000. Up to 87 positions--including 34 teachers--would be eliminated.

Under the more severe $110.3-million “survival” budget, average class sizes would increase by one full student and about 176 positions would be eliminated, including janitors, groundskeepers, word processor personnel, high school guidance counselors and teachers. The proposal also calls for $2.1 million in possible pay cuts or freezes for staff and faculty members.

Budget Uncertainties

Uncertain how severe its budget crunch will be, the Capistrano Unified School District has two budget proposals for next fiscal year to address a shortfall estimated at $8.2 million to $12.7 million.

“Austerity Budget” (Best Case)

Proposed $8.1 million in reductions, including:

New busing fees (saves $1.3 million)

Elimination of K-3 music program (saves $151,995)

Increase in average class size by half a student (saves $702,000)

Proposed elimination of 87 positions, including:

Five elementary school principals

Three high school vice principals

Principal of R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility

34 teachers

Four custodians

Nine Writing to Read instructional aides

“Survival Budget” (Worst Case)

Proposed $12.7 million in reductions, including proposals in Austerity Budget:

Increase in average class size by another half a student (saves $642,000)

Possible salary adjustments (saves $2.1 million)

Proposed elimination of another 88 positions (a total of 175 in both

proposals), including:

Three high school guidance counselors

Another 24 teachers

Another 10 custodians

Remaining eight Writing to Read instructional aides

Source: Capistrano Unified School District

Researched by ANNA CEKOLA / Los Angeles Times