A public forum will be conducted early next month to receive input on the Austin School District’s anticipated budget shortfall.

Friday, March 24, 2000

A public forum will be conducted early next month to receive input on the Austin School District’s anticipated budget shortfall.

Schools Superintendent James Hess said Thursday that the purpose of the forum is for school board members to share information with the public on the expected budget deficit and to receive public input on how to deal with the matter.

"We have to do our work in correcting that deficit," Hess said.

Board members were asked by the administration on Wednesday to take a hard look at the 2000-2001 budget. A deficit could climb to as high as $714,000 and board members were asked to try to find $1 million that could be cut from the spending plan.

The public forum will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. April 3 in the Ellis Middle School auditorium, Hess said.

The forum will begin with a brief review of the district’s current budget issues and residents will be given an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns with the board, as well as make recommendations for budget adjustments.

In addition to the forum, Hess said meetings will be conducted with building administrators to seek their input, too.