It has been said that challenging times can only make us stronger. I am confident that despite 2009-10 being one of the most challenging budget years in recent history that Blue Valley will continue to be an incredibly strong school district. Throughout the year, budget issues have plagued school districts across the state of Kansas and the nation. Due to a budget shortfall at the state level, Blue Valley was forced to make some difficult financial decisions.

In April the Blue Valley Board of Education voted on more than $6 million in budget reductions, reallocations and revenue enhancements needed to balance the district’s budget. The decisions were incredibly painful due to the potential impact on students and staff members. The Board did an admirable job making these tough decisions. Budget reductions, reallocations and revenue enhancements that were finalized in April can be found by going to www.bluevalleyk12.org/budget.

The state Legislature has finished its work and agreed on a budget bill that was sent to Governor Parkinson for his signature. The bill included a statewide sales tax increase that is expected to provide revenue to balance the state’s budget. Efforts to include additional local funding options for school districts were defeated and not a part of the legislation.

As we look at where legislative action takes us for the 2010-11 school year, the Base State Aid Per Pupil (BSAPP) is set at $4,012. This figure is also the current BSAPP. It is important to remember that the BSAPP amount of $4,012 is the amount that resulted after mid-year BSAPP reductions that caused us to have to cut $6 million dollars out of next year’s budget. The budget bill sent to the governor is good news in that it does not look like any additional reductions will be needed to balance the 2010-11 budget.

However, if the economic situation does not improve or the statewide sales tax increase does not provide the expected revenue, elected officials could reduce the BSAPP during the 2010-11 school year, much like what happened this year. In short, while the budget bill is designed to provide a revenue stream to balance the state budget, school districts are not yet in the clear, as mid-year reductions for next school year are a possibility depending on actual tax receipts. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

One thing I can tell you with certainty is that in Blue Valley we have some of the finest teachers and staff members, who despite these uncertain times, remain committed to providing each student with an Education Beyond Expectations. I am proud of and thankful for each one of our staff members for continuing to provide the best education possible to Blue Valley students. I am also extremely proud of our students for working hard and doing their very best day in and day out. We are all here for the students and they are a key ingredient in making Blue Valley such a special place.

I would also like to thank our Blue Valley community for your support. Without your support, our task would be impossible.

Tom Trigg, Ed.D.
Superintendent