WESTMINSTER : Input Sought on School District Cuts

Anticipating budget reductions greater than the $600,000 slashed last year, the Westminster school board tonight will open discussion of what cuts may be necessary for the 1993-94 school year.

Parents interested in offering their input should write to the district, or attend a public hearing Feb. 18 on the proposed cuts. The board also will discuss the budget at several other meetings during the next six weeks, and public comments are welcome at those as well, district spokeswoman Audrey Brown said.

Last year, the district slashed more than $607,000 from its $26-million operating budget. Although the district will not have specific budget projections until Gov. Pete Wilson announces his state budget plan, district officials said cuts for the next school year will probably equal or exceed those made last year.

Tonight’s meeting will begin at 6 at the district headquarters, 14121 Cedarwood Drive, Westminster. At a meeting Jan. 21, after the state budget plan is known, the board will determine how much the district must reduce its spending.

Supt. Gail Wickstrom will give the board comments and suggestions from the staff and public, as well as a preliminary list of proposed cuts, at a meeting Feb. 4. The public is encouraged to comment on those planned reductions at a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18. The board will make its final decisions Feb. 25.

All meetings will be at district headquarters. Budget suggestions or other comments may be addressed to: Westminster School District, Superintendent’s Office, 14121 Cedarwood Drive, Westminster, 92683. Comments may be written in any language.