Portola Valley school budget reaches $9.46 million Portola Valley school budget reaches $9.46 million (July 13, 2005)

** Local property taxes, foundation grants provide most of funding.

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

Portola Valley School District's $9.46 million budget for the 2005-06 school year basically moves forward the "status quo" for programs, staffing and expenditures.

Enrollment is projected to remain the same -- 661 students in grades K-8 -- but expenditures have grown 4.56 percent over last year's $9 million budget.

Assistant Superintendent Tim Hanretty, who developed the budget based on criteria set by trustees, also prepared financial scenarios through the 2009-10 school year, which he presented at the board's budget adoption meeting June 21.

He warned trustees that the district could face a deficit as soon as the 2006-07 school year unless revenue increases substantially in future years or spending is trimmed.

Portola Valley schools rely primarily on local funding -- property taxes, foundation contributions and parcel taxes -- to maintain the level of programs and services at Ormondale (K-3) and Corte Madera (4-8). Combined state and federal revenue account for $820,862 of the district's income.

The district receives 67 percent of its income from property tax revenue, almost $6 million for the 2005-06 year. Growth in property tax revenue is projected to be 6.5 percent for the year, according to the San Mateo County assessor. The historical average increase over the past 13 years is 8.72 percent.

Contributions from the Portola Valley Schools Foundations account for more than $1 million -- about 11 percent of total district revenue. This amount includes $750,000 from the annual campaign; $120,000 from the 2004 gala; $127,428 from the 21st Century Fund, a capital fund that sunsets after this school year; and $23,575 from eScrip purchases.

Revenue from the district's new parcel tax, approved by voters in 2004, is expected to yield almost $670,000 annually for 10 years.

Portola Valley's adopted budget could change, said Mr. Hanretty, depending on details that emerge from the new state budget.

People costs -- salaries, benefits and payroll taxes for certificated and classified personnel -- account for 85 percent of the budget.

The new budget includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase for teachers and staff. It also has built in some salary adjustments, up to 3.5 percent on the teachers' salary schedule and 2.5 percent for classified employees. Employee benefit costs have increased 5 percent annually.

The district's agreement with the Portola Valley Teachers Association includes the addition of two new work days for teachers, increasing their work year from 186 to 188 days at a cost of $41,430.

Other new expenditures include $40,000 for the district's new strategic planning initiative, now underway; $9,000 for school board election costs; and $10,000 for school site council "incubator" funds.

Copies of the detailed 2005-06 district budget are available at the district office, located at Corte Madera School, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley.
E-mail Marjorie Mader at mmader@AlmanacNews.com

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