By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

As of the Sept. 20 count, USD 410 enrollment is 638 students, according to a report submitted at the Nov. 10 USD 410 board meeting.

Enrollment at the same time in 2007 was 21 students more at 659 students, said district business manager Jerry Hinerman.

The full-time equivalent for the 2008-09 school year is 593.3 students, down from 613.0 in the 2007-08 school year.

There are several reasons the full-time equivalent is less than the actual enrollment, Hinerman said. Kindergartners only count for half unless they receive special education services. Other students may not be full-time students, including students who receive some home schooling.

The decrease in the full-time equivalent enrollment means the district will receive less state aid money.

Hinerman said the district will need to spend about $50,000 less than budgeted from the general fund, and $30,000 less from the local-option fund.

Underspending the budget is doable, in part because of decreases in fuel costs in recent months.

In other district business:

• Donna Fadenrecht of accounting firm Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, presented the 2007-08 financial audit report. Fadenrecht said the district is fiscally sound. The board approved the audit by a vote of 7-0.
• The board approved a contract with Mike Moran to serve as the PATHS to Adventure after-school coordinator, Karen Fryhover to serve as the PATHS to Adventure after-school educator, and Kassie Bradley to serve as the PATHS to Adventure after-school assistant.
• The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Dec. 8.