The Olympia School District recently publicized a list of potential cuts (with a few additions) for the next fiscal year, and it's set off a firestorm of controversy, mostly because folks aren't sure what's really on the chopping block. The Board wants direction from you, concerned citizen. Here's where I can help.

Using the initial document [pdf] offered by the Olympia School District, I've created a spreadsheet where you can try to save dollars and programs in your own attempt to balance the Olympia School District budget for 2008-2009 by cutting roughly $2.5 million.

Want to keep the Drill Team intact? Better delete it from the "potential savings" column. But what will you cut instead?

More options will be added as they become available. This morning, District and school reps met to discuss other potential cuts and additions, so I'm sure I'll have to update this soon.

If you have questions about the spreadsheet, email me; my contact info is here. If you have questions or concerns about the budget, email Peter Rex. Better yet, show up at one of the two community forums: Tuesday, May 6th, at the Knox Building, 6:30 p.m., or Wednesday, May 7th, Marshall Middle School, same time.

Before you go, download the spreadsheet and give it a whirl. Maybe you can find a clear path to politically tenable savings.

Mandatory disclaimers: this work is my own, using public information supplied by the Olympia School District. It is not endorsed by the District, and is for educational purposes only. Values are subject to change; check the District website for the most current information.

[cross-posted at 5/17]