The Central Kitsap School District (CKSD), like many other districts across the state and nation, are preparing for substantial cuts to the 2009-10 budget.

Washington’s deficit increased to $9 billion last month from the $5.7 billion it was in December 2008 and this increase means budget cuts ranging from $4.1 million to $5.7 million for CK schools, said CKSD spokesman David Beil.

The actual numbers are not known yet and could fluctuate in either direction, according to CKSD Superintendent Greg Lynch.

“The number could increase by a half-million or decrease by a half-million,” he said. “We just don’t know yet.”

CKSD is looking for input from the community in prioritizing budget reductions and has scheduled two public forums.

The forums are from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 16 in the CKSD Jenne-Wright Administration Center gymnasium, located at 9210 Silverdale Way.

“The purpose of the forum is to let people know what we know now and get feedback so as we work toward the bottom line, we can take it all into consideration,” Lynch said. “As we take a look at the programs across the school district, we’re concerned about how to fund these programs as we continue to face this huge budget deficit.”

Programs like all-day kindergarten, the Olympic High School pool and K-5 mathematics instructional materials need to have funding, according to Lynch.

Beil said it is imperative to get the community involved in reforming the budget.

“The most important thing is for the community to come so they can ask their questions and provide their input,” he said.