FOUNTAIN VALLEY : School Board OKs $25.7-Million Budget

The Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees has approved a fiscal 1992-93 budget of $25.7 million.

Although the trustees approved the budget last week, they expect to re-examine it when the state passes its budget. Officials have said the district may have to cut 5% more, or $875,000, when the state budget is approved.

“We’re meeting our required timelines,” said Supt. Ruben L. Ingram, referring to the state-mandated July 1 deadline for school districts to pass balanced budgets. “But because of the irresponsibility of our governor and the state legislators, this might not be the final budget.”

The district has already cut $435,000 to balance the 1992-93 budget, with the largest cuts in school psychologists. So far, one psychologist has been laid off, while two others who hold teacher’s certificates were moved to the classroom, saving the district $122,521.

The cuts will mean the district’s remaining psychologists will serve an average of 140 students each, compared to the average 80 students each served in 1991-92.

One psychologist complained to the board that students will suffer as a result of the cuts. He offered vignettes of students who have been helped in the past year.

“I’m concerned about who’s going to be there for (them) next year,” the psychologist said. “I’m here tonight to say that for the students in Fountain Valley, the needs of the heart have to be met before the concerns of the mind can take hold.”

The budget also does not include increases in teacher pay or benefits.

The district’s salary range is $22,334 for a starting teacher to $47,848 for a teacher with 60 units toward a master’s degree and 18 years of experience.

Managers also have not received a significant pay increase in the past six years, he said.