Shorewood administrators present proposed 2012-13 school district budget

Shorewood administrators presented recommendations on the district's 2012-13 budget at a School Board meeting Tuesday. The proposed budget of more than $22 million calls for a number of reductions and additions that add up to a surplus of $167,416 that could be designated into the fund balance for future years.

Without touching the budget, district officials project a deficit of $429,947 - a figure reflecting a combination of factors, including increasing enrollment and declining income from the state.

Administrators have proposed a series of reductions and efficiencies totaling $933,735 that offset the deficit. The list includes savings incurred from health and dental insurance through a competitive bidding process and a few staffing reductions, some enrollment driven.

At the same time, administrators are requesting permission to add a number of new line items totaling $371,459 into the budget. New expenditures include a proposal to hire a development director at a $75,000 cost to assist with future fundraising initiatives. A number of staffing increases are also in the proposed budget.

The district also is planning to add five Open Enrollment seats, resulting in $35,087 in projected income.

The budget remains tentative for several months. The School Board is planning two community meetings in April to obtain resident feedback.