Like all California school districts that rely on the State for funding, the Ravenswood City School District is facing unprecedented financial challenges.  The Governor and Legislature have failed to agree on a budget for the remainder of the current 2008-2009 fiscal year and for 2009-2010 school year.  With a $42 billion state budget deficit looming, steep cuts in funding for education are all but certain.

Much remains uncertain at this time.  However, Ravenswood and other school districts need to get started with budget planning for the 2009-2010 school year.  School districts are required by law to adopt a balanced budget by June 30^th.

Based on our current budget assumptions and what we already know, we will need to reduce our general fund budget in 2009-2010 by $1.8 million.  Progress in meeting this target is already under way.  We are carefully scrutinizing staffing and other expenses, and at the same time, we are brainstorming ways to enhance revenue.

We have also formed a Budget Advisory Task Force made up of Board members, administrators, teachers, professional support staff and community members.  The Task Force will be assisting district leadership in developing recommendations to the board.

The Ravenswood district has capable, student-driven leadership at the helm.  We will meet the current

financial challenges head-on while continuing to progress in fulfillment of our mission and goals.  As always, our focus remains fixed on the achievement and safety of our students.

We are committed to keeping you informed throughout our budget planning process.  Please visit the district website at http://www.ravenswood.k12.ca.us for periodic updates.  In the meantime, you are encouraged to write to our state legislators to give voice to the critical need for funding for services and programs for our children:

Senator S. Joseph Simitian                                        Senator Leland Yee

State Capitol                                                             State Capitol

Room 2080                                                               Room 4074

Sacramento, CA 94248-0001                                    Sacramento, CA 94248-0001

(916) 651-4011                                                         (916) 651-4008

senator.simitian@senate.ca.gov                                senator.yee@senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember Ira Ruskin                                     Assemblymember Jerry Hill

State Capitol                                                              State Capitol

Room 3123                                                                Room 4146

Sacramento, CA 94249-0021                                     Sacramento, CA 94249-0019

assemblymember.ruskin@assembly.ca.gov                assemblymember.hill@assembly.ca.gov

Ravenswood City School District Frequently Asked Questions About the 2009-10 Budget