District Implements Spending Freeze for Second Consecutive Year
Reno, NV (Jan. 26, 2011) - For the second year in a row, the Washoe County School District is putting into effect a spending freeze in anticipation of further budget reductions in the upcoming legislative session.
The freeze is effective immediately as the District faces mounting challenges of state budget cuts. As state lawmakers consider the budget for the biennium, Superintendent Heath Morrison said all budget decisions must be planned for the next two years while remaining consistent with the objectives of the strategic plan to increase graduation rates, continue supporting teachers and principals and engage parents and the community.
"We are potentially facing significant reductions after already having sustained substantial cuts during the past four years, so it's important that we reprioritize our spending based on what we have this year and look ahead to the next year," Morrison said. "We continue to be conservative with our resources while adhering to what we've set out to do in our strategic plan, which is to ensure our children are graduating and prepared for a highly skilled career or college ready."
The District also took action early in 2010 with a spending freeze in which all vacant positions in the central office and departments were left open. Teaching vacancies continued to be filled as needed. Spending on instructional materials and supplies was not impacted.
"With the ongoing economic crisis, the challenge is trying to offer our students a quality education on limited resources and ensure we retain highly effective teachers to prepare our children," said WCSD Board Vice President Ken Grein.
Morrison also will announce the spending freeze in his first State of Education address, which he will present at 6 p.m. on Jan. 26 at the McQueen High School theater. He will address principals, parents and business leaders regarding the District's recent accomplishments, the challenges the WCSD will face and what the impacts this year's session of the Nevada Legislature could mean for education in Nevada and Washoe County.
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About Washoe County School District: The
Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan
area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The
District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education
in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every
child career and college ready.
For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
