Press Release RE: MAUSD Budget Parameters

At their October 24th meeting, the MAUSD Board voted to instruct Superintendent Patrick Reen to develop a FY 19 budget that maintains level funding per equalized pupil. The decision to start with 0% growth was brought on by several factors, including reduced payments from the State to local boards and rising health insurance premiums. The reductions in State payments are the result of a compromise between Governor Scott and legislative leaders last June, capping the amount school districts can spend on teacher health care. With health care costs anticipated to climb by at least 8%, these new spending caps may be exceeded. In that event, any additional money will need to be found from elsewhere in the budget.

The MAUSD Board anticipates a draft budget to be presented at their December 19th meeting. Community forums will be held in early January to present the draft budget to the broader public and to receive feedback.