HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The School Board in USD 308 Monday received an update on the process for long-term budgeting in the district.
Dr. Shelly Kiblinger, superintendent of the district, gave the board an overview of the process and the budget study committees that have been set up. The study committees will meet beginning in November, and look at strategies for additional efficiencies of the buildings, including changes to the grade level configurations.
Earlier this month, staff viewed a video by Dr. Kiblinger on the budget challenges faced by the state of Kansas and the local district. The state faces budget shortfalls in the hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years and since the state cannot operate with a deficit, budget cuts will have to be made or taxes increased. Education, one of the few constitutionally mandated functions of state government, currently takes more than 50 percent of the state budget.
The district already has posted a budget suggestions link on its web page and has a budget suggestion hotline at 620-615-4014. Minutes of the study committee work will be posted on the district’s website.