On December 13, 2016, we presented a 1st Interim budget update that showed the need to close a $2.5 Million dollar gap for 2017-18. We have been analyzing our district expenses to find the best solutions to close this gap. We have some specific recommendations that are ready to implement for next year with others framed up but needing further analysis, work, and communication with our principals.
As a point of reference, the average cost of a teacher in our district is about $80,000 which includes statutory costs such as STRS, benefits, Medicare, workers comp, etc. As we present potential savings in staffing, please keep that $80k number in mind. For our secondary staffing models, a teacher has five instructional periods (except for San Marcos with their semester block schedule) so one period costs $16,000.
Part of the backdrop of our situation is the gradual declining enrollment in our district. We are not ready to reduce our staffing as a result of enrollment projections quite yet. We are waiting on enrollment numbers to come in this spring and also the report from California Demographic Services that will arrive in about a month. Therefore, any reductions in staffing at this point are based on appropriate and equitable use of staffing.