Residents of the Austin School District have a good reason to venture out at 7 tonight and make their voices heard.

Thursday, March 29, 2001

Residents of the Austin School District have a good reason to venture out at 7 tonight and make their voices heard.

The Austin School Board is conducting a public forum at Austin High School in an effort to get taxpayers’ opinions on how the district can cope with a projected $878,000 budget deficit.

The deficit comes across for a few reasons. First, enrollment next year is expected to be with 85 fewer students next year. That results in a loss of $457,045 in revenue for the coming year.

Also, the district anticipates an additional $468,000 in costs next year for health insurance costs, as well as energy expenses related to heating and transportation that are constantly rising.

The school board wants residents to be informed about the district’s financial picture as well as options that district administrators are reviewing to help balance the books for the coming school year.

Residents should show up at tonight’s forum with open minds and thoughts to offer district officials in how to help keep a quality education in Austin schools.