SIMI VALLEY : Board Approves School Budget

Board members have approved a $75.2-million budget for the Simi Valley Unified School District, but officials are bracing for possible funding reductions once the state budget is finalized.

State officials are discussing the possibility of cutting public school spending by $2 billion or more next year, which would be a reduction of $224 in spending per student statewide. For Simi Valley, this could result in a reduction of more than $3.5 million in state funding.

The school district is required to adopt its budget by July 1, but has 45 days to make necessary revisions after the state budget is finalized later this summer.

The school district plans to take in $70.6 million during the 1992-93 school year, but plans to spend $75.2 million, according to the budget approved Tuesday night by the school board. The shortfall will be covered by budget reserves.

Should the state make any drastic cutbacks, a district budget review committee consisting of various employees will meet to discuss their options. Options would include making cuts and dipping deeper into district reserves.

Officials said they planned the school district’s budget conservatively, anticipating no cost-of-living increase from the state and only $78 per child in lottery funds. The budget does not call for any layoffs or program cutbacks. However, officials do not yet know how many of the 26 temporary teachers who were hired in September will be rehired.

“We can’t issue contracts until we know what the funding will be,” said Assistant Supt. Leon Mattingley, who handles certificated personnel matters.