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Board approves revised budget of $172 million
Sept. 1, 2001
A "stop-gap" measure approved by the school board will provide funding in 2002-2003 for fifth-grade orchestra, gifted services, Parents as Teachers and school nurses.
A total budget of $172 million was approved by a 6-1 vote of the school board at its June 11 study session. The board amended the budget to continue funding those four programs and to provide salary increases for non-certified paraprofessionals instead of substitute teachers.
The board authorized drawing down the reserve fund by $445,696 to pay for these budget items.
Several board members stressed that this solution is a temporary one and cautioned patrons that without increased revenue in the future these programs will likely face cuts next year.
"This clearly is a stop-gap measure to maintain these programs for this fiscal year," said Michael Hoeman. "There is no assurance, without increased revenue, that we can continue to fund these programs next year."
Bruce Chrisope agreed. "Without additional operating revenue I don't think there's a chance that this (maintaining funding) will happen again next year," he said.
Components of the 2002-2003 budget that remain unchanged include:
*Increasing bus transportation to a 1.5 mile radius of elementary and middle schools;
*Providing employees a 1.5 percent salary adjustment; and
*Requiring employees to pay dental insurance premiums.