District 308 Budget Deficit For 2012-13 School Year Reduced to Zero

After approving a budget for the 2012-13 school year with a $2.6 million deficit in September, the Oswego 308 School District has now reduced the deficit to zero.

Superintendent Matthew Wendt announced the deficit reduction at the Monday night school board meeting, stating that the reduction came from delayed purchases and professional development, spending freezes, decreased medical and dental costs across the district, budget analysis and programming audits.

“I’ve had more audits in the last 10 months than I’ve had in my career,” said Wendt.

When the budget was originally presented to the board of education in August it had been cut to a $5.5 million deficit from an original $7.5 million deficit. It was cut in early September to $3.8 million and then approved on Sept. 25 with a $2.8 million deficit.

Wendt said administrators found contracts that needed to be updated and were able to have 10 people do the work of 15, and 15 take on the work of 30.

“There have been hundreds of people to take on more responsibilities this year than in prior years,” said Wendt. “I don’t believe this is the fix. I don’t believe you or I would want to lead a district when more and more people are serving in times that are going to lead to burnout.”

Wendt also said that textbook purchases have been delayed, which is something the district can no longer put off. This year the delay was possible due to a review of the curriculum.

“I have a team of people that helped it come to fruition,” said Wendt of the budget reduction, citing especially assistant superintendent of finance Paul O’Malley and director of business services Sharon Hassberger. “Every dollar added up.”

Wendt said that financially the district is not yet where it needs to be, “But this is a very good step in the right direction.”