APS prepares for budget cuts

Posted at: 10/25/2009 10:11 PM | Updated at: 10/26/2009 7:32 AM
By: Eyewitness News 4

Robert Lucero

The APS School Board will have budget cuts on their mind when they meet this week.

The district is anticipating a $4.5 million loss in funding after a state budget is passed in Santa Fe.

Even though some cuts have already been made, school board members think there is more fat that can be trimmed and more goals that will have to be put on hold.

This year, APS was able to put $1 million into expanding middle school athletics, adding coaches, teachers and new sports. But because of the budget crisis, that may not happen, according to board member Marty Esquivel.

"This is the first year we're doing that and now we're having to look at possibly getting rid of it," he said.

Esquivel says in the short term, a portion of the district's federal stimulus money meant for special education and low income students will be used to cover the expected budget deficit.

"It's funny, the thing about the stimulus package is it's supposed to stimulate the economy, and it's actually just saving most governmental entities right now," he said.

Esquivel and fellow school board member Robert Lucero both agree that additional cuts can be made at central administration. Lucero says programs like the one to fight truancy can be scaled back. But he thinks middle school athletics needs to be spared.

"The goal is not to effect the kids and the athletics keeps kids in school, keeps kids motivated - even in the middle school level," Lucero said.

Both Esquivel and Lucero say next year is going to be especially difficult on everyone's budget. They think state lawmakers will be forced to increase taxes.

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