News Release
April 6, 2006
Superintendent Bennet Urges Changes To Fix Structural Problems In Budget And Enhance DPS' Academic Environment
Superintendent Michael Bennet presented to the Board of Education today a new direction to fix structural problems in the district's budget by building a richer academic environment, significantly boosting student enrollment, and consolidating school campuses.
The plan will begin by building understanding in the community that traditional budget cuts will not close chronic budget gaps that are projected for each of the next five years, based on current enrollment trends.
"We are beginning a lengthy public process that will lead to community-wide awareness about the fiscal challenges ahead," said Superintendent Bennet. "We must realize that customary sources for repairing budget gaps are no longer available without undermining student achievement. Rather, we need to adjust our fixed costs, ensure that every school represents a dynamic choice that meets the needs of parents and students, and build positive enrollment momentum. The district is home to stellar examples of individual schools that have managed this turnaround. We need to match this success all across the district."
Traditionally, said Bennet, budget-balancing plans have used savings from three areas, all of which harm the quality of schools. Savings in compensation for teachers and other employees reduces the district's competitiveness for talented educators. Savings from school-based resources increases class size and reduces the quality of the school environment. And savings from the central office, beyond those needed for efficiency, compromises overall accountability.
The plan forward by Superintendent Bennet calls for:
- Convening a broad, community-based blue ribbon committee by mid-May to examine district facilities and demographic data and then recommend where to consolidate schools or build new schools to create richer academic environments.
- Convening a group to conduct market research and develop a strategy for attracting and retaining students.
- Rewarding and recognizing schools that achieve academic results.
- Providing innovation grants to schools that submit meritorious proposals that promise to improve their academic results and increase student enrollment.
Superintendent Bennet emphasized that decisions on school consolidation will wait until the analysis from the blue ribbon committee is complete, no earlier than next fall. "No one wants to close schools just for the sake of closing them," said Superintendent Bennet. "If we are to close any, we need to be sure that we are giving kids and parents something better in return."
If structural problems are not addressed, recent budget struggles will be repeated for the foreseeable future, Bennet said. "If we don't address our structural issues, it will be groundhog day all over again," he said. This year, $16.4 million in spending was reduced. The budget forecast for 2007-2008 school year predicts a budget gap of $17.5 million. In 2008-2009, a $12.1 million gap looms. The gaps are generated by a combination of declining enrollment, increased retirement costs and compensation increases that exceed revenue increases. In addition, non-discretionary costs have increased faster than inflation.
At the same time, district enrollment is currently projected to continue to decline even as the number of school-age children in the city grows. By 2009, the analysis shows, the enrollment in Denver Public Schools could drop to 61,968 (compared to 70,038 in 2002) while the number of school-age children in the city grows by another 20,000.
The district is operating many more school buildings for its enrollment than neighboring districts. Denver has 12.2 million square feet of school space for 68,324 students. By comparison, Jefferson County Schools has 10 million square feet of school space for 82,343 students and Douglas County Schools has 4.4 million square feet of school space for 43,350 students.
For more information, contact the DPS Office of Communications, 720-423-3402.