Ferndale Schools

Ferndale must reduce its operating budget for the 2009-10 school year due to a combination of rising costs, years of inadequate state funding, at least a $6 billion state budget deficit, and rigid state finance law that allows little flexibility in determining how to fund students' greatest needs. The extent of the district's reductions for 2009-10 and 2010-11 will change if the state budget deficit continues to grow.

• Read more

Ferndale is widely known as a fiscally prudent district that is constantly seeking opportunities to improve the efficiency of its operations. Our 2008-09 operating budget is balanced and we do not anticipate reductions for the remainder of this school year, other than proactive saving measures we are taking to anticipate reductions that we will face next school year. This could change if the state unexpectedly reduces our current year's revenue.

• Read more

Based on early estimates this dollar figure ranges from 1 to 3 million dollars.

We encourage your thoughtful ideas on this challenge facing us and are providing a variety of opportunities to provide input. The district is seeking input and budget savings ideas from all stakeholders -- students, staff and community members -- from now through the end of March 2009. District leaders will be meeting with staff to share information, answer questions and solicit ideas. For times and locations, please go to our Budget Presentation Information Page.

• Read more

The district depends on the state for the majority of its revenue. Because the state designates a certain amount of funding for districts to use in specific areas for defined purposes only, we must align our reductions accordingly.

Seniority of staff and the Reduction In Force (RIF)/nonrenewal of contract process are determined in the Collective Bargaining Agreements. Specific program funding changes will also impact Reduction In Force.

Staff will be notified as soon as possible and practical within the timelines outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We will follow procedures in the Collective Bargaining Agreements for Reduction In Force (RIF) recall and job posting requirements.

These are prohibited by state law, unless changed by the state.

The district may need to recruit for and post jobs, depending on the type of open positions available and the need to fill them.

Funding comes from the state and benefits are part of the Collective Bargaining Agreements. Premiums change annually depending on state funding, insurance company costs, pooling and employees' selections of plans.

Not at this time. State law requires a 180-day school year and does not currently allow districts to add minutes onto the school day to flex schedules. Some support staff currently work a four-day work week during non-student times. We would prefer and have lobbied at the state level that the school year be based on total instruction minutes thus providing the maximum flexibility to meet the needs or all school districts. We are aware that the four day week is being debated by the legislature.

Job sharing is outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Potentially yes, depending on salaries, benefits, professional development allocations, the job share plan and schedule.

State law requires school districts to implement state-mandated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) to all school employees, but it doesn't require the state to actually provide full funding. Therefore, every time the state stipulates a cost-of-living adjustment, the district must make up the difference between what the state funds and what we actually pay our staff. That difference is made up through local levy dollars and reserves.

The safety and health of children will be paramount. The philosophy and criteria previously defined in this document will be used to prioritize tough choices and make budget decisions that affect student programs.

It depends on the state Legislature's budget and the resulting budget savings plan adopted by the district.

It will depend on the availability of funding. Those decisions will be made in conjunction with the specific schools involved, and the availability of resources at the site.

At this stage, all budget savings ideas are being considered. Field trips paid by district and school funds must align with the curriculum. Field trips sponsored by clubs and parent support groups have much greater flexibility.

The district's recent experience in the bond market has been very positive. We were able to sell bonds at a lower rate than anticipated and saved taxpayer money.

Funding school facility improvements comes from a capital projects fund, which is separate from the district's general fund and was part of the previous bond package approved by voters. Funding for staffing to operate a school comes from the district's general fund.

Capital project funds, which pay for technology, cannot be used for operational expenses as defined by state law and cannot be used to address budget shortfalls. The replacement phone system was approved by the Spring 2008 Tech Levy. The previous phone system and it's associated software was no longer supported by the manufacturer. This end of life status made the district extremely vulnerable in terms of having an extended downtime with our main communication tool. In addition, the state also does not provide general funds for technology.

No. In 2005-06, the district implemented a budget savings plan. In that plan, we implemented additional cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies, and reduced program and staffing budgets. In the subsequent years we have continued to make changes to increase operational efficiency or have made further cost savings reductions.

We strive to align the allocation of resources to students' greatest needs and provide high quality instruction while maintaining adequate reserves.

Reserves are part of the district's general fund budget. Adequate reserves are critical for paying monthly payroll and meeting other ongoing financial obligations. The district does not receive its funding from the state on a payment schedule that aligns with its expenditures. Therefore, the district often relies on using reserves to pay bills until that state funding is available. Reserves are also important to maintain programs during times of revenue shortfalls due to stagnant or declining enrollment, and to cover unanticipated expenses or emergencies.

• Read more

The state Legislature adopts a budget in two-year cycles. Continuing reductions beyond 2011 will depend on the state's economic situation.

Yes. School parent organizations (PTOs) and high school Associated Student Bodies (ASB) also generously raise money for their schools. Tuition and/or fees are charged for some programs. The district is always open to individuals and corporations who may want to help. Those interested in donating time or money may contact their neighborhood school. We also receive financial support from private sources usually directed at programs like Career Technical Education, for example.

Based on percentage of district budget, Ferndale spends more on teaching/teaching support than state average and less than state average on operations, administration, and principals

• Read more

Yes, the recommendations and survey information for possible reductions will be placed on the district's website for review. The current budget survey ends on March 31st. Soon after this date the data will be formatted and placed on the website along with the next steps and other pertinent information.

The district is look at all options but does not anticipate closing school buildings other than the move of Clearview students into existing North Bellingham classrooms and removing the current portables thus eliminating lease costs. The following year 2010/11, we would move Windward to the North Bellingham site saving $200,000 in lease costs. We are also studying various options for Beach Elementary.

The answer is yes. All facets of the district are again being reviewed in light of the current budget restrictions and reductions.

In the 2007-08 school year, Ferndale School District received zero (0) dollars from the state for "remote and necessary" funding. The current state formula is based on the number of students with sixty (60) being the high. The closer the enrollment approaches that number of 60 the less "remote and necessary" funding received.

On the current FSD Budget Committee are two building principals, one representing the elementary level and the other representing the secondary (middle school and high school level).