Lack of state funding combined with a shaky economy has dramatically affected many Minnesota school districts, and Austin is no exception.

“We are very concerned about the next biennium of funding,” said Lori Volz, director of finance and operations. “Right now with this operating referendum, we are basically at a break-even budget.”

The Austin Public School District is seeking a renewal of its operating referendum in fall 2009. Volz points out that although they will not ask taxpayers for more dollars then they are spending now, it is imperative the referendum passes.

“To maintain our current class sizes an our current programs that we offer, it is going to be absolutely crucial,” Volz said. “The Minnesota formula is not adequately funding schools. Districts are pretty much forced into operating referendums.

“The economic forecast for the state is not looking very positive,” she said.

Volz said less than half of the budget is coming from state aid and the other piece is from local levy.

The school board has not set a date for the referendum to expire if it does pass. Historically, she said, it has been a 10-year referendum.

The referendum the district will seek for passage in 2009 is a combination of several referendums that expire on different dates; they will be combined into one but will not change what taxpayers currently pay.