SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Trustees Consider Possible Budget Cuts

Faced with a potential $4.5-million shortfall in the coming fiscal year, trustees in the Capistrano Unified School District took a first look this week at possible budget cuts.

While specific reductions have not yet been made, several trustees made it clear that some measures should not even be considered, such as increasing class sizes, further reducing non-teaching positions, establishing student fees at the College and Career Planning Center or reducing physical education graduation requirements.

With that direction, district officials will come back to the board with a specific list of potential reductions and a tentative budget on May 17.

Meanwhile, the district will hold public workshops on the budget at 7 p.m. on May 3 at Newhart School in Mission Viejo and at 7 p.m. on May 4 at San Clemente High School.

Although Gov. Pete Wilson has proposed to fund lower education at the same level as in 1992-93, officials say the budget picture for the state’s public schools is still bleak.

“It is important to understand that even if education is funded at the same level, real spending will fall by an estimated $97 per pupil due to the impact of inflation,” Supt. James A. Fleming said in a report to the board.

The district is opening a new high school and middle school the next school year, which will mean increased costs for supplies, books and equipment. In addition, more teachers will be needed, so no layoffs are being considered, officials said.

Last summer, the district was forced to make more than $7 million in reductions from its budget.