Carstensen's "attempt to answer" MMSD Budget Mystery #4: Mumbo Gumbo in the Kitchen

Let me attempt to answer your questions [about Mumbo Gumbo in the Kitchen].

First, remember that the budget is an estimate made in April/May of what will be needed in the next school year. Several determinants of the budget are not known until the fall - most importantly, the number of students.

Second, you should be aware that Food Service is a break-even (self-supporting) part of the district - it is run entirely on revenue from sale of meals and federal and state subsidies for meals. Over the last couple of years, Food Service has expanded its services to be able to serve breakfast at every school. This year it has added providing afternoon snacks for programs at 22 schools.

The budget increase over the last year is due to:
* increased cost of food and supplies
* increased energy cost - both for preparation of food - and for delivering it to 46 schools & 9 alternative sites
* increased cost of employee salary and benefits

As to the question of the number of staff - part is due to the increase needed to provide the afternoon snacks. The rest of the explanation really requires some background information. Recently, the district implemented a new software system. One of the major problems with the old system (aside from the fact that it was old and kept crashing) was that it was not one system - there were separate systems for Payroll, Employment and Budget - and these systems did not "talk" to each other. The new software integrates all of these aspects of the district. It allows accurate and timely information on such things as number of hours worked.

The vast majority of Food Service workers work part-time so 1 FTE may actually reflect 2 or 3 (or more) individuals. Prior to the new system, hourly workers submitted paper time sheets to school clerks who then transmitted the information to Payroll. Inevitably, there will be differences between the hours estimated as needed to provide the meals (translated into FTE's) and the actual experience. Because the Payroll system can now "talk" to the Budget system this year's budget reflects the actual number of hours used.

As to the staffing reduction statement, here is what the budget document actually says: "The Division is reviewing staffing levels for the 2005-06 school year and expects to reduce the staffing by approximately 2%." It does not say that it has reduced staffing.

Carol

P.S. I hope that this response will be as prominently displayed on SIS as your initial post.

Posted by Ed Blume at January 6, 2006 11:49 AM
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