Budget Forecast 2008-09

To All Staff:

I am sure everyone has heard information regarding the state of Colorado’s projected budget deficits. I want to assure you that we are being meticulous in our examination of the situation as it relates to Emily Griffith Opportunity School. At this time, we know that all of higher education (including EGOS) has incurred a 2.5% reduction of base fund allocations in 2008/2009. For us, that means a $173,275.38 decrease. We believe that we can mitigate the reduction by an expected savings in benefits this year.

On Friday January 16, 2009, Todd Saliman, director of the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, presented to the Joint Budget Committee a reduction of $30 million for higher education for fiscal year 09/10. This represents a 3.7% or a $326,000 reduction in our base fund allocation for next year.

Economic forecasts are fluid and subject to change at anytime. No one can project for certain where our economy will go, therefore, we must start now and plan accordingly. We will have to operate efficiently and effectively. The best thing each of us can do is to ensure we have full classes and our students are well served. We need to take the extra steps to do this – we cannot afford to lose even one student.

Fortunately, earlier this school year the administrative team began working on three specific task forces: 1) Vision/Mission, 2) Operations, and 3) Instruction/Administration. We are well underway and looking at our entire operation and how we can improve. Information about the task forces can be found on the staff intranet page.

As we continue to look at several revenue generating and cost saving options, I want you to know that I will do my best to keep you informed. We are dedicated to continuing the quality education we have always provided.

Les Lindauer