Severe budget cuts to the Hart district have led officials to consider starting a fundraising nonprofit to pay for academic programs and cutting up to a week off of the school year.

The William S. Hart Union High School District's five-member board will review these and other cost-cutting options at its Wednesday meeting.

Cuts so far have resulted in bigger class sizes, pay cuts and furlough days for teachers and staff.

However, the board will have to make even more cuts - about $13.5 million worth - to survive the 2011-12 fiscal year, officials said.
Sue Guthrie, chief financial officer, said several local school districts have education foundations that focus on raising money for educational programs, such as computers, classroom supplies and elective programs.

With support from the public, the district could consider raising property taxes to support the schools, Guthrie said.

The district estimates a $29.7 million funding cut in 2010-11 and $30.3 million in 2011-12, according to district figures.

Other options include reducing the school year by up to five days, cutting down hours for instructional assistants and issuing program and pay reductions, Guthrie said.

For programs, one option is to reduce the Regional Occupational Program, known as ROP, and the adult education program.

The ROP program provides Hart district students with career guidance and job training for careers such as plumbing and culinary arts.

"I don't believe we would eliminate it," she said.