SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : $2.9 Million Restored to School Budget

In a welcome turn of fortune, the Capistrano Unified School District has been able to restore about $2.9 million worth of programs and positions since learning that state budget cuts will not be as bad as expected.

Enrollment is also up in the 30,000-student district this year, which means more funds will be available to the district, Supt. James A. Fleming said in a report to board members.

The Board of Trustees in late June adopted a $10-million reduction plan to balance the $110.7-million 1992-93 budget.

Under the revised budget adopted by the board Monday, the district is expecting about $7 million more in total state and enrollment-based funds. Much of that money will be used to replenish dwindling district emergency reserves.

Despite the added funds, Fleming warned trustees that much of the money is considered a loan from the state and that future shortfalls remain a real possibility.

“It was a break,” Trustee Annette B. Gude said. “But the state is only loaning the funds. Who knows what will happen? You can’t plan.”

In addition to sparing the teachers and employees from about $2.1 million in salary or benefit reductions, district officials restored:

* Three high school guidance counselor positions.

* Nine full-time instructional aide positions, including middle school safety proctors and a health aide.

* One position for a personnel department assistant.

* One clerical position, for assistance in translating needs.

The revised budget also includes extra money for textbooks and school supplies. It also provides funds for lunchtime supervisors and elementary school reading resource aides, positions that had been considered for elimination back in June.