Dear Lovejoy Families,
As we prepare for the upcoming four-day weekend, we know there are questions and concerns surrounding the potential efficiency restructuring opportunity for the K-4 program and programmatic reductions in force.
While the district presented an option leveraging the most efficient campus and staffing utilization model, we know our families would like to better understand the details of the proposed restructuring and alternative considerations the district reviewed to address the estimated $6M budget shortfall for 2021-2022.
During the March 25th Board Budget Workshop Meeting, Lovejoy ISD shared how the shortfall has not only impacted our district, but also demographic and academic peer districts throughout the State. The Lovejoy ISD, $6M budget shortfall can be attributed to several factors, including:
- The loss of $331 per student funding with the passing of House Bill 3 (2019)
- The reduction of enrollment due to COVID and decline of enrollment between our entering Kindergarten students compared to our exiting Senior students
- The loss of state funding from Fast Growth Enrollment status
- Anticipated loss of the ability to charge tuition for Lovejoy Scholars due to current proposed legislation, House Bill 1525 and Senate Bill 1536
As the district works to address the shortfall, we are dedicated to finding solutions that will allow the district to work towards a balanced budget while protecting the heart and essence of what makes Lovejoy exceptional.
