COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene School District is facing a $2.3 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal year.

School officials held another "community chat" meeting Thursday, and discussed with those who attended, the projected budget and possible areas where cuts might be made.

Turnout was meager, with just four community members coming out to the Midtown Center for the informal discussion session.

"We certainly are in a lot better shape than a lot of other districts," said Superintendent Hazel Bauman, following a budget presentation by Steve Briggs, the district's finance director.

Bauman said she has heard from school leaders throughout the state whose districts are facing significant layoffs.

The district's estimated total general operating fund revenue for 2012 is $58.6 million, and includes $60.9 million in expenditures. State funding was reduced by $2 million.

The projected budget includes a health insurance premium increase for next year of $238,057, and funding for salaries and benefits still being negotiated with the teachers union. It also includes funds for a new bus, new textbooks, and a $100,000 fuel budget increase to address rising costs.

Bauman and Briggs said funding for some items like the bus and textbooks are things the district needs to try to return to the budget.

Briggs said there are several ways the district might address the $2.3 million shortfall: no salary increases, a pay cut, position cuts, furlough days, a health insurance price increase for employees, or position changes.

Most of those options are subject to agreement with the teachers union.

The clock is ticking for school districts around the state to settle teacher contract negotiations, and finalize their budgets for the next fiscal year.

Idaho Code requires that contracts be settled by June 10, and budgets approved by June 30, the last day of this fiscal year.

A patron asked Bauman for her response to the meager attendance at the chat.

Bauman said the district is often criticized for not being open and accessible to the public, although when they do make themselves available, the public doesn't always respond.

A chat session held in early December brought about 20 people to the Midtown Center, but just four had questions or comments for school officials.