By Lindsey Johnson, Staff Writer
Like every other school in the sate of California, the Vacaville Unified School District is dependent on state funds; approximately 92% of its operating funds are from the state. The other 8 % is a combination of individual funds from the government for specific programs and local sources. The responsibility falls on our school district to manage these funds. Given that this is the case, what happened to the Vacaville School District? How did VUSD fall so short? Why where so many clubs and sports eliminated due to the poor money management up at the district office?
Some may ask how did we get in such a financial bind? According to Superintendent John Aycock, approximately two and half years ago our school district started to experience a serious of financial challenges. On top of this student enrollment began to decline, which didn’t help. The decline in student enrollment meant serious reductions in money received from the state – seeing as money is received for every student who attends school. As stated by Mr. Aycock, “ Fewer students results in less money from the State and Federal governments.” If this wasn’t bad enough, other State funds, not related to enrollment, were also cut at this time. Some of these cut funds were year round school incentive funds, equalization funds, and energy grants. The District also had to increase employee salaries (to remain competitive with like districts throughout the state and keep up with increases in the standard of living); rates for employee insurance, workers compensation, property and liability went up a combined 50%; and utility rates skyrocketed. However, the personnel turnover within the District’s business department disrupted the financial stability further leaving unfilled vacancies. Mr. Aycock explains, “The work load was overwhelming.” The combination of these factors let to the first round of budget cuts.
Now comes the second challenge. The following year California’s economy experienced the largest drop in revenues ever, resulting in huge cuts to State’s budget. Additionally, the State was taking back funds previously promised to schools. Student enrollment continued to drop, and operating expenses continued to rise. Faced with another financial shortfall, the District had to eliminate or suspend extra programs throughout its department along with cutting more personnel. Suddenly, the Vacaville Unified School District was $7.2 million dollars in debt and we need to employ major reductions in order to get rid of this debt.
How did the VUSD meet this challenge? They decided to tackle it head on with positive determination. As of this year, the VUSD has reduced that $7.2 million deficit to $660,000. The District has addressed the accounting issues that were once a problem and have since upgraded to a better, more efficient system. Additionally, the District has implemented specific business practices and procedures that will prevent internal financial errors and shortcomings in the future. New contracts have been negotiated with service providers that have proven to save money and existing school buildings (that were closed) are now being leased to private schools, which are generating revenue. It has been with great sacrifice to employees and students alike to close this gap and reduce expenditures. However, where there is a desire someone will find a way. The City of Vacaville rose to the occasion. They created one of the most visible and successful operations to raise money for the schools. In the spring of 2003, the Vacaville Public Education Foundation (VPEF) was organized. This non-profit organization’s goal is to reduce the loss of programs targeted to elimination and to bring back those programs that were cut. Under the direction of Mr. John Thompson, this volunteer group of teachers, parents and civic leaders has spearheaded a way to raise community donations. Through moneys raised, VPEF has been able to fund many programs, such as: Counseling Services, English Language Learner Programs, GATE, Crossing Guards, Health Clerks and Health Technicians, High School and Middle School Athletics, Library Services, Elementary Music, Reading Programs, Reading Specialist and the list continues.
The educational quality of our schools affects all of us. When the State cut critical educational funds and programs had to be eliminated, the community stepped up to the challenge and supplied the funds needed to bring these programs back. Though the past few years have been full of hectic surprises with the patience of students and teachers, the dedications from the District, and pure consideration and determination from the city of Vacaville, we are over coming what we once thought was unachievable.
Some may ask how did we get in such a financial bind? According to Superintendent John Aycock, approximately two and half years ago our school district started to experience a serious of financial challenges. On top of this student enrollment began to decline, which didn’t help. The decline in student enrollment meant serious reductions in money received from the state – seeing as money is received for every student who attends school. As stated by Mr. Aycock, “ Fewer students results in less money from the State and Federal governments.” If this wasn’t bad enough, other State funds, not related to enrollment, were also cut at this time. Some of these cut funds were year round school incentive funds, equalization funds, and energy grants. The District also had to increase employee salaries (to remain competitive with like districts throughout the state and keep up with increases in the standard of living); rates for employee insurance, workers compensation, property and liability went up a combined 50%; and utility rates skyrocketed. However, the personnel turnover within the District’s business department disrupted the financial stability further leaving unfilled vacancies. Mr. Aycock explains, “The work load was overwhelming.” The combination of these factors let to the first round of budget cuts.
Now comes the second challenge. The following year California’s economy experienced the largest drop in revenues ever, resulting in huge cuts to State’s budget. Additionally, the State was taking back funds previously promised to schools. Student enrollment continued to drop, and operating expenses continued to rise. Faced with another financial shortfall, the District had to eliminate or suspend extra programs throughout its department along with cutting more personnel. Suddenly, the Vacaville Unified School District was $7.2 million dollars in debt and we need to employ major reductions in order to get rid of this debt.
How did the VUSD meet this challenge? They decided to tackle it head on with positive determination. As of this year, the VUSD has reduced that $7.2 million deficit to $660,000. The District has addressed the accounting issues that were once a problem and have since upgraded to a better, more efficient system. Additionally, the District has implemented specific business practices and procedures that will prevent internal financial errors and shortcomings in the future. New contracts have been negotiated with service providers that have proven to save money and existing school buildings (that were closed) are now being leased to private schools, which are generating revenue. It has been with great sacrifice to employees and students alike to close this gap and reduce expenditures. However, where there is a desire someone will find a way. The City of Vacaville rose to the occasion. They created one of the most visible and successful operations to raise money for the schools. In the spring of 2003, the Vacaville Public Education Foundation (VPEF) was organized. This non-profit organization’s goal is to reduce the loss of programs targeted to elimination and to bring back those programs that were cut. Under the direction of Mr. John Thompson, this volunteer group of teachers, parents and civic leaders has spearheaded a way to raise community donations. Through moneys raised, VPEF has been able to fund many programs, such as: Counseling Services, English Language Learner Programs, GATE, Crossing Guards, Health Clerks and Health Technicians, High School and Middle School Athletics, Library Services, Elementary Music, Reading Programs, Reading Specialist and the list continues.
The educational quality of our schools affects all of us. When the State cut critical educational funds and programs had to be eliminated, the community stepped up to the challenge and supplied the funds needed to bring these programs back. Though the past few years have been full of hectic surprises with the patience of students and teachers, the dedications from the District, and pure consideration and determination from the city of Vacaville, we are over coming what we once thought was unachievable.