SPS presents budget update to the board
June 15, 2010
A decision by the Governor of Missouri could alter the 2010-2011 budget for Springfield Public Schools, according to an update presented to the school board at its June study session. The governor is expected to cut an additional $350 million from the budget approved by the state legislature. These cuts could impact state education spending and SPS specifically. At the moment, SPS’ budget for 2010-2011 reflects the decision by the legislature to leave the foundation formula unchanged, resulting in an additional $850,000 above what the district had presented in its proposed budget last month. The current budget calls for $500,000 of that revenue to fund a half percent pay increase for staff to offset an increase in retirement contributions. The remaining $350,000 will be directed to the reserve fund. A decision from the governor’s office is expected this Friday or the following Friday.
Board member Bruce Renner (pictured at left with Gerry Lee) received the Paul Morris Community Service Award for Region X from the Missouri School Boards Association. The award recognizes “individuals who provide leadership to their communities through school board service as well as other community service activities.”
Gerry Lee, SPS board president, was elected vice president of MSBA earlier this month. Both Lee and Renner were honored at the June 15 study session.
The board approved several contracts for major repairs and projects from the 2009 bond issue including the architectural and engineering firm for the Jarrett Middle School air conditioning project; a contract for new stadium lighting at Glendale, Hillcrest, Kickapoo and Parkview; and a roof replacement for the Parkview cafeteria.
The board discussed a potential $3 million shortfall in the district’s health benefit trust fund for the 2011 calendar year. The district’s insurance committee will present a report to the board in August.