THOUSAND OAKS : School Board Plans to Cut 19 Positions

Conejo Valley school board members have approved a $72.1-million budget that reflects more than $2.8 million in budget cuts and 19 fewer positions districtwide.

School officials are bracing for the possibility of more cuts if legislators make drastic reductions in the state’s budget, which is still under debate.

The school district has 45 days to make changes to its budget once the state budget is approved.

The Conejo Valley Unified School District will take in $69.7 million in the 1992-93 fiscal year, but plans to spend $72.1 million. The difference will be made up with the district’s reserve funds, leaving a $976,393 reserve, less than half the recommended 3% reserve of $2.2 million for the district.

Assistant Supt. Sarah Hart said she believes the county superintendent of schools’ office will approve the district’s budget even though it does not contain the 3% cushion. The county office has until Aug. 15 to approve school district budgets countywide.

County officials on Friday said school budgets with low reserves have been approved by the county in the past.

“There is nothing in the state law that says a district has to have a 3% reserve,” said county Assistant Supt. Bob Smith. “It is only a recommendation.”

In May, Conejo Valley school board members approved the reduction of nine teaching positions, four secretarial positions, two supervisors, two elementary school custodians, a district office administrative position and a high school dean of students position. Another $170,507 was trimmed Thursday from several dozen categories in the budget.