BRODHEAD - The Brodhead school board will meet at 7 p.m. today at the district office to discuss cutting another $80,000 to $100,000 from its budget for next year.
The projected 2009-2010 budget is about $280,000 over projected revenues for the year, and board members have found only $73,000 to cut so far.
Any budget shortfall will most likely be taken from the district's fund balance and the retirement fund "to get through one more year," Superintendent Chuck Deery said.
Balancing future budgets is expected to get even tougher.
After next year, the district may have to hold a referendum to exceed the revenue cap.
The district is looking at deficits of $630,000 in 2010-2011, $950,000 in 2011-2012, and $1.4 million in 2012-13.
The 2008-2009 school year was budgeted at $11,349,000.
Increased energy prices and insurance benefits have hit the school's budget the hardest, Deery said.
Salary and benefits make up about 80 percent of the school's budget.
Aggravating the budget is declining enrollment. Brodhead enrollment dropped by about 20 students this year.
"We can predict enrollment for only about two years out," Deery said.
Based on the present decrease, the district predicts enrollment could drop by as much as 170 students in the next four year.
The closing of local plants, like the Janesville GM plant and Stoughton Trailers, "could have a big impact on enrollment, as families move, looking for employment," Deery said.
The school has been cutting about $200,000 from its "same services" budgets the past few years.
The board has dealt with some of the past shortfalls by not filling vacated teaching aides and custodial positions, but has not yet had to lay off staff.
The school has gained some revenues from grants and by accounting changes that allowed tapping more special education funding, Deery said.
The board has already discussed cutting one library director, an aide position, and the cost of heating the district's green house; restricting travel; and increasing sports fees.
Tonight the board will look at cutting family and consumer education in the middle school, pay for board members and field trips.
The projected 2009-2010 budget is about $280,000 over projected revenues for the year, and board members have found only $73,000 to cut so far.
Any budget shortfall will most likely be taken from the district's fund balance and the retirement fund "to get through one more year," Superintendent Chuck Deery said.
Balancing future budgets is expected to get even tougher.
After next year, the district may have to hold a referendum to exceed the revenue cap.
The district is looking at deficits of $630,000 in 2010-2011, $950,000 in 2011-2012, and $1.4 million in 2012-13.
The 2008-2009 school year was budgeted at $11,349,000.
Increased energy prices and insurance benefits have hit the school's budget the hardest, Deery said.
Salary and benefits make up about 80 percent of the school's budget.
Aggravating the budget is declining enrollment. Brodhead enrollment dropped by about 20 students this year.
"We can predict enrollment for only about two years out," Deery said.
Based on the present decrease, the district predicts enrollment could drop by as much as 170 students in the next four year.
The closing of local plants, like the Janesville GM plant and Stoughton Trailers, "could have a big impact on enrollment, as families move, looking for employment," Deery said.
The school has been cutting about $200,000 from its "same services" budgets the past few years.
The board has dealt with some of the past shortfalls by not filling vacated teaching aides and custodial positions, but has not yet had to lay off staff.
The school has gained some revenues from grants and by accounting changes that allowed tapping more special education funding, Deery said.
The board has already discussed cutting one library director, an aide position, and the cost of heating the district's green house; restricting travel; and increasing sports fees.
Tonight the board will look at cutting family and consumer education in the middle school, pay for board members and field trips.