Press Release

2001-2002 School Year Budget Approved

The Board of Education adopted a $483.2 million general fund budget for the 2001-2002 school year during a special legislative meeting Thursday.

The adopted budget restores funding for several highly visible student programs, including $53,000 to provide full funding for MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement), $20,000 to fulfill a budget request from DEEP (Denver Educational Excellence Program), $60,000 to restore staffing levels at Denver Kids, Inc., and $24,000 to restore funding for the Northwest Coalition.

The budget also eliminates a proposal to raise $100,000 by implementing fees for schools whose students participate in programs at the Balarat Outdoor Education Center. The plan also restores $293,000 ($125,000 of that amount comes from the U.S. Army) for five Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor positions, plus stipends.

Other approved spending includes $135,000 to purchase and install software that will filter use of the Internet by students and employees. Another $24,000 adjusts funding to support eight sites where Graduate Equivalency Degree programs will be taught.

Board of Education President Elaine Gantz Berman thanked voters for approving Amendment 23 last November and the state legislature for increases in funding for public education, including dollars targeted for specific needs such as high-priority schools and students learning English.

"Your money is being put to very good use," she assured voters.

Additional savings ($600,000) in the 2000-2001 budget provided the additional revenues to pay for the restored programs and new expenses.

Board member Les Woodward said he was pleased to see support for student programs renewed.

"I'm delighted these are back in our budget and that we will continue to work cooperatively with organizations so we don't lose out on opportunities to bring the community into the educational process," he said.

Woodward also thanked the state legislature for its "good work."

About the decision to ensure that access to Balarat is not fee-based, Board member Sue Edwards said that decision sends a signal that the Balarat experience - provided for all fifth-graders in the district - is a part of the DPS curriculum. "Not all education takes place in a classroom," she said.

Superintendent Jerry Wartgow said the budget is "right on mission" since it reflects support for valued student programs. Wartgow said next year's budget would involve a new development process.

The budget also spends $10.4 million for increase in salaries and benefits for teachers and all general fund full-time and hourly employees. This money is beyond the steps and levels that were funded in the Proposed Budget. The Denver Classroom Teachers Association and the Denver Board of Education recently agreed to a 4.4 percent cost-of-living salary increase in addition to traditional raises awarded for increased years of experience (steps) and educational credits (levels).

Significant changes in revenue to the district since December (when the district projected a $25 million deficit) included an increase in the state's inflation factor (generating $4.5 million more), a reduction in projected increases for health insurance rates ($4.3 million), and increased state at-risk and categorical funding ($1.7 million).

In a separate action yesterday, the Board approved new salary structures for administrators. The salary structures call for salaries to be negotiated between the superintendent and all assistant superintendents, assistant area superintendents, the Chief Financial Officer, and the General Counsel.

Administrative Level One salaries (high school principals and the Executive Directors of Assessment & Testing, English Language Acquisition, Facility Management, Food Services, Special Education, Student Services, and Transportation) were set from $80,121 - $99,349.

Administrative Level Two salaries (middle school principals, the General Obligation Bond Program Director) were set at $74,914 - $92,893.

Administrative Level Three salaries (elementary school principals and some directors) were set at $70,046 - $86,857.

Administrative Level Four salaries (high school assistant principals and some directors) were set at $65,494 - $81,212.

Salary ranges for managers and supervisors were also increased.