To help close a projected budget shortfall of more than $5 million in 2010-11, Ceres Unified School District officials will recommend pay cuts for all employees.
The exact figure hasn't been determined yet, but will range between 5 and 10 percent. The resolution will be presented to the Ceres School Board this Thursday.
"None of us like it but we understand it's the right thing to do," said Fred Van Vleck, assistant superintendent of business services.
Approximately 200 of the district's employees have already pledged to take salary concessions next year to offset the deficit, including every administrator and department head.
"We have all signed a contract," Van Vleck said. "Each of us is going to take the reduction prior to our employees taking a reduction."
Ceres Unified has yet to reach an agreement on salary concessions with its remaining 1,200 employees. The first negotiations session for the district and teachers association will take place on Jan. 26.
Ceres Unified's budget has been reduced by 14 percent since 2007-08.
Average-daily-attendance (ADA) payments from the state have dropped significantly as well. Spending will be cut by $225 per student in 2010-11. That equates to a total of $2.4 million.
"That's a huge reduction," Van Vleck said.
When asked if Ceres Unified considered downsizing or eliminating athletic programs district-wide to save money, Van Vleck said: "That discussion has been had and we're not interested in doing that. I believe sports help many students get connected to schools."
Salaries and benefits are about 85 percent of the district's budget.
The exact figure hasn't been determined yet, but will range between 5 and 10 percent. The resolution will be presented to the Ceres School Board this Thursday.
"None of us like it but we understand it's the right thing to do," said Fred Van Vleck, assistant superintendent of business services.
Approximately 200 of the district's employees have already pledged to take salary concessions next year to offset the deficit, including every administrator and department head.
"We have all signed a contract," Van Vleck said. "Each of us is going to take the reduction prior to our employees taking a reduction."
Ceres Unified has yet to reach an agreement on salary concessions with its remaining 1,200 employees. The first negotiations session for the district and teachers association will take place on Jan. 26.
Ceres Unified's budget has been reduced by 14 percent since 2007-08.
Average-daily-attendance (ADA) payments from the state have dropped significantly as well. Spending will be cut by $225 per student in 2010-11. That equates to a total of $2.4 million.
"That's a huge reduction," Van Vleck said.
When asked if Ceres Unified considered downsizing or eliminating athletic programs district-wide to save money, Van Vleck said: "That discussion has been had and we're not interested in doing that. I believe sports help many students get connected to schools."
Salaries and benefits are about 85 percent of the district's budget.
