Pasco Schools Face $25.6 Million Budget Shortfall

The Pasco County School District is facing its fifth consecutive year of multi-million-dollar budget shortfalls.

That’s why school board members are once again turning to the community for assistance. The board will play host to a series of town hall meetings this month that are designed to garner input on how to close the funding gap.

How would you handle cutting the school district's budget? Let us know in the comments section.

Board members "value the input of all stakeholders and felt it was an important part of the decision-making process,” said Summer Romagnoli, the school district’s spokeswoman.

The were introduced last year when the of more than $55 million. “They would like this same opportunity for dialogue this year,” Romagnoli said.

The projected budget shortfall for the 2012-13 school year is estimated at $25.6 million, but could rise due to unfunded mandates from the state. The deficit is due to a number of factors, including a reduction in local funding, a rise in operating expenses and the elimination of non-recurring funds that were available for the 2011-12 school year.

How the board will address the shortfall remains to be decided, Romagnoli said.

Last year, the and instituted furlough days to help cover the budget gap. Funding cuts for arts and sports programs were also discussed but didn’t materialize.

At this point, however, “all options remain on the table,” Romagnoli said.

Five town hall meetings are planned to help school board members gain ideas and input from residents. No meetings are scheduled inside Land O' Lakes, but there are several nearby.

Here is the schedule:

• May 21 at 6 p.m. in the Dr. John Long Middle School cafeteria, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel
• May 22 at 6 p.m. in the Hudson High School mini theater, 14410 Cobra Way
• May 23 at 6 p.m. in the Trinity Oaks Elementary School cafeteria, 1827 Trinity Oaks Blvd
• May 24 at 6 p.m. in the Centennial Middle School cafeteria, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
• May 24 at 6 p.m. in the Chasco Elementary cafeteria, 7906 Ridge Road, Port Richey

Parents, grandparents, students and anyone concerned with public education is urged to attend. At least one school board member will be present each night.

“We have difficult decisions that will impact our schools and the community,” Romagnoli said. “It is important for all stakeholders to have a voice in the decision-making process.”