Passed tax levies soften cuts to funding in Eugene schools.

Byline: Anne Williams The Register-Guard

Even as they approved a draft operating budget that has shrunk by some $7.6 million in the past two years, Eugene School District budget committee members Monday acknowledged their good fortune.

Compared with many other school systems across Oregon, Eugene is sitting pretty - thanks in large part to local tax levies that have helped blunt the pain of state funding cuts necessitated by the weak economy.

"Once again, thank you to the voters of Eugene for the local option levy and the city levy," school board member Craig Smith said, referring to the May 2000 district levy and the city's November 2002 youth activities levy.

With the infusion of cash, the district has dodged what would have been about a $16 million budget shortfall in the next biennium. As it is, the deficit is closer to $6.3 million, with about $2.5 million of that to be cut in 2003-04.

And even though a state forecast last week estimated that revenue will be down by close to $650 million over previous projections, Superintendent George Russell said there's reason for optimism.

New legislation on the Public Employees Retirement System could significantly lower the current 12.7 percent employer rate, he said, saving the district millions - though he cautioned that employee unions plan to challenge the new laws in court.

Also, added finance director Hillary Kittleson, the best guess in Salem now is that lawmakers will approve a bigger K-12 spending plan than once thought - closer to $5.1 billion vs. the $4.8 billion on which the district based its draft budget.

"It's reasonable to assume that we don't have to look at other major cuts now," she said, despite the recent state forecast and a newly forged contract with teachers that will cost about $2.8 million over the biennium. The budget had assumed no increase in employee compensation.

Following Russell's recommended amendment, the budget committee opted to add back at least two staff positions that had been scratched. One is communications coordinator, held by Kelly McIver. Budget committee members agreed at an earlier meeting that good communication with the community, families, the media and lawmakers is especially critical in tough times.

The committee also restored a half-time equity coordinator position, currently filled by Anselmo Villanueva. The job duties include making connections with communities of color, advocating for minority families, and training staff on racial and equity issues. Those are also crucial tasks, the committee agreed, especially with a burgeoning Latino enrollment.

Villanueva will become a school principal next year, so Russell said someone else will fill that role.

A half-time technology specialist position may also make it back in the budget before the school board's scheduled June 26 approval.

The budget still cuts 18 central service jobs, dips into reserves for $700,000 and delays a $650,000 transfer to pay for new equipment and textbooks.

It also jettisons KRVM, although the radio station came up with a plan to support itself with fewer staff members entirely through underwriting, donations and grants. The 55-year-old station, based at Sheldon High School, gives students broadcasting and engineering experience.

The school board will hold a hearing and approve the budget on June 25.