The New Year also begins with a painfully dismal economic forecast for just about everyone.  Coming from the state and from the Governor there have been dire predictions and some assertions about what actions might be taken as a result of the state's economic woes.  With a projection of a 42 billion dollar gap over the next 18 months, there is good reason to pay attention. In the media you have probably heard everything from the school year being shortened by 5 days to all manner of agencies including school districts not being able to meet payroll.  I want to emphatically let you know that while we don't have control over the economy and to a certain extent what the state government might choose to do, we are in no danger of running out of money.  Every year, our Board approves a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) and maintains the state required reserve for economic uncertainty.  Simply put, both help to protect the District from a cash shortage and assures that we can pay our bills and meet our payroll.  Even as we approached this year, the Board approved significant reductions of over $600,000 and our educational partners stepped in to help fill a financial gap.    
 
I'm not an alarmist and yet I know it is important to 'stay tuned'.  Here is some information I want you to know.  We take a conservative budget approach in MVSD, consulting with our independent Community Financial Advisory Commission (CFAC).  Our conservative approach is good fiscal practice and with our continuing enrollment increases as a basic aid district, we absolutely have to be cautious.  As of this writing, our K-8 enrollment has tipped above 2500 students, up by over 250 in four years.  With the volatility of the real estate market and our heavy dependence on local property taxes, we are always measuring that revenue stream. For 2006-07, property taxes for our District were up by 8.2%.  In 2008-09, we have been advised by the County of Marin to project at 5.5%, a definite and significant change downward.
 
In these challenging times, we remain committed to protecting the integrity of our quality and comprehensive educational programs.  We will definitely keep you posted on the impact of the continuing economic crisis in our state.  We will stay focused on kids.  You can also help our kids by checking the Save Our Schools site listed below.  Everyone can do their individual part to influence our leaders.