AISD will face major budget challenges for 2011-12, and expects those difficulties to continue for the next few budget cycles. However, we remain committed to redirecting costs to balance the budget. But, given the state's fiscal condition, we do not expect any relief from the Texas Legislature. In fact, we are bracing ourselves for a shortfall that could reach as high as $100 million.

The District has already made significant progress in reducing administrative costs. Superintendent Meria Carstarphen has overseen the implementation of $27.7 million in reductions and savings in the last two budget years, and we did it without touching campuses. Most of that came out of Central Office and tightening our operations.

We will, however, need to do much more. The Superintendent is hosting a series of community conversations on the budget through the Spring and soliciting suggestions and ideas on additional cost cutting measures. We are also encouraging staff and the community to provide input on 36 cost-cutting measures that could collectively produce savings of $145 million. Throughout the course of the budget process, we will be conducting internal and external reviews of existing programs and staffing to ensure maximum resources for AISD students and families, without serious disruption to our Fund Balance.

We are building this, and future budgets, around the idea of moving more resources from central administration to our campuses and basing our budgeting on what is most important for increasing student achievement.

Adopted Budget 2011-2012