The needed cuts for the Fountain Hills Unified School District’s 2015-16 budget may be lower than originally anticipated, now estimated to be about $666,264.

Back in May, the FHUSD Governing Board met in a study session to take a look at early budget estimates.

The state Legislature was still three days away from passing the K-12 budget and, at the time, it was stressed that all presented figures were estimates that would continue to evolve.

One figure that has not changed, though, is the District’s Average Daily Membership (ADM), which determines a large portion of the local budget.

This year’s ADM is approximately 70 students less than the previous year, amounting to an expected shortfall of $355,000 to the district budget.

That figure was originally combined with state budget estimates, as well as potential savings in administration and changes to the district’s medical/dental plan. At the May meeting, the estimated cuts totaled $735,000.

Now that the district has more firm numbers, School Superintendent Tom Lawrence informed the board during another study session held on April 8 that the new estimated budget deficit is in the neighborhood of $666,264.

“Things being looked at to make up the difference include reduction in force (RIF), vacancy savings, co- and extracurricular savings and the medical and dental plans for employees,” Lawrence explained.

With 70 fewer students within the district, the number of teachers will have to shrink, too. According to Lawrence, this could total about $484,000 of the needed $666,264 in cuts. However, Lawrence explained that “a minimal RIF is the current plan.

“Right now, we don’t believe we will have to cut jobs,” Lawrence explained.

“It looks like we will be able to cover the ADM loss through attrition and retirements.”

Lawrence explained that some positions might need to shift around but, at the time; he anticipated not needing to let anyone go.

As for the rest of the budget, the current item of debate is the medical/dental plan. Board members made it clear during the study session that they did not want to see medical/dental take a hit this year. Or, as board President Jill Reed put it, “I don’t want to make up the difference on the back of our employees.”

The board will continue to evaluate the budget, as well as the district’s options for covering the shortfall, as it evolves in the coming weeks.