 |
Fort Bend Independent School DistrictNEWS RELEASE |
** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **
Fort Bend ISD Board Approves 2010-2011 Budget
FORT BEND ISD ―The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved a $488,405,505 operating budget for the 2010-2011 school year at its June 14 regular business meeting. The FBISD budget is designed to provide educational services for a projected 69,687 students.
Given the difficult budget challenges the district addressed this past year, the 2010-2011 budget is balanced and fiscally conservative while still supporting District Strategic Plan priorities and instructional programs. The budget includes a continued low administrative cost ratio and additional staffing for opening three new campuses in August: Heritage Rose Elementary School; Ridge Point High School; and the Ferndell Henry Center for Learning. Salaries levels will be the same as last year, and the beginning salary for first-year teachers is $44,500.
In order to help offset an estimated $10.8 million deficit in what the district pays for annual employee health care benefits, the new budget includes a 15 percent increase to employee health benefits effective January 1, 2011. Even with this increase, the district will still be facing a deficit of more than $5 million in health care costs.
Other changes will include an increase in mail order pharmacy co-pays and office visit co-pays, and implementation of a mandatory specialty drug program. Detailed information regarding changes to the health care program can be viewed on the district website at www.fortbendisd.com by opening the “Budget Challenges” link and then going to “Information/FAQs.”
Other major areas in which the district made adjustments in order to adopt a balanced budget include:
- Reduction in Force (
- Lawn care outsourcing - $325,000
- Transportation (eliminate activity run) - $600,000
- Transportation (route changes) - $1,600,000
- Summer 4-day compressed work week - $300,000
A link to the entire 2010-2011 FBISD budget also is available on the front page of the district website directly below the Financial Challenges link.
##
printer friendly