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NAPLES — The two Collier County School Board members elected from Districts 2 and 4 will have much to deal with. But perhaps nothing will be more time consuming than the district’s financial future.

There is less revenue coming in; total assessed taxable value is lower than last year; millage rates are lower; and the district is experiencing declining enrollment.

The district this year is looking at a $26 million deficit, and officials expect the financial picture to get worse during the 2009-10 budget year, which will begin July 1.

The Collier County School Board candidates all have their own ideas about how the Collier County School District address declining revenue. District 2 incumbent Kathleen Curatolo said the referendum that will appear on the November ballot would help offset the declining revenues. The referendum, which was championed by Curatolo after a constituent brought the idea to the board, would transfer 0.25 mil from capital to operating funds. The result is an estimated $19 million.

“Another step we should explore is renting excess space at the Administrative Center to not-for-profit organizations serving students in our district,” she said. “These are but two examples of ‘outside the box’ thinking which should always be encouraged. I have and will continue to welcome ideas from all stakeholders.”

District 4 candidate Mark Swanson wanted to take that a step further. He said the board must look at budget losses as a revenue issue and said his solution would save the district $300 million over four years.

“There is little in the operational side of the budget that would solve our long-term problem,” he said. “Additional cuts in revenue by the state are expected and Collier is uniquely positioned to raise revenues without any additional increases in taxes. Our capital millage rate can be reduced by one mil, freeing up dollars for the operational side. In addition, declining enrollment lessens the need to replenish the capital fund at the same rate. The 1 mil saved can be transferred to the operating fund through a 1 mil levy put on the ballot for public approval. This would raise $70 million for operations without adversely affecting the capital fund which would continue to grow though at a slower rate.”

District 4 candidate Joe Paterno said the Collier County School Board has the way to help itself, but promoting the need for the referendum that is on the November ballot.

“The decline in enrollment has lessened the immediate need for capital. Personally I will support the transfer of capital funds into the operating budget,” he said. “I encourage all concerned citizens, parents and taxpayers to do the same.”

District 4 candidate Julie Sprague also mentioned the referendum, which she said would put unnecessary capital dollars to good use. But she said there is more that the board could do.

“I would look at creative ways of generating revenue such as renting space in the Leila Canant Professional Development Center which is presently under used by the School District. I encourage an open minded look at current budget priorities,” she said.

“I would also look at the independent audits done by Kitchell and Gibson in 2005 and 2006 which have been overlooked or forgotten. If necessary, another independent audit should be commissioned.”

District 2 candidate Rick MacClugage also believes in an independent audit, while looking for creative ways to maintain and improve the level of education and programs Collier County provides its students.

“I feel strongly that an external independent audit needs to be done. While I do not feel the time and expense of a line by line audit should occur, I would recommend an independent audit of certain departments, beginning with ESE and maintenance first,” he said. “We must also look for creative ways to bring more money into the district. I would like to see community leaders, and businesses work with the district to come up with ideas to generate income, increasing business sponsorship of our schools. We must also encourage the district to seek more grants, reduce overspending, and look at all ways we can save money.”

District 4 incumbent Linda Abbott said the district has been able to maintain academic opportunities for students, while maintaining things like athletics, music, arts, clubs and other extracurricular activities to make well-rounded students.

“The sudden economic decline, especially in such a wealthy county, has created denial and anger, typical human responses prior to accepting and dealing with reality personally, in business, and in government,” she said.

Abbott said by privatizing custodians, pay and benefits may be reduced to those employees, but they will have jobs with the opportunity for promotion. She said principals can focus their attention on academics and not cleaning management. She also cited the board’s decision to install artificial turf at the high schools, which saved on operating expenses and freed dollars for students.

District 4 candidate Adrienne Markopolos said the budget is fluid and all expenses cannot be predicted with certainty. That said, she said the budget needs to be streamlined.

“We must prioritize what is necessary versus what is desired,” she said. “Two possible line items which could save the tax payer dollars while not changing the quality of education provided are eliminating block schedules and privatization of custodial services.”

District 4 candidate Gary Smith also saw the possibility for cuts, but he would start at the top.

“Start at the top by cutting all administrators salary by 10 percent, (and) freeze all other pay raises for next year. Go department by department, cutting all the waste. Hold all department heads responsible,” he said.

Smith said it was also essential the district look at its health insurance policy to save money.

“There are currently more funds in reserve for health insurance that could possibly be utilized in a better manner,” he said. “The current bidding process needs to be overhauled and revised.”

The primary election is Tuesday. Though the School Board candidates represent districts, they are elected by the entire county.