Star-Journbal Editor
With nearly a quarter million dollars in new funding from the state, and with cash reserves at an all-time high, USD 410 Board of Education will propose a 2006-07 budget that raises teachers' salaries, buys new buses, and keeps taxpayers happy, all at the same time.
Forced to wait for the state Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the beleaguered school finance law, the district had no choice but to delay presenting its proposed budget to the public.
Board president Rod Koons says the public hearing set for 7 p.m. Thursday will reveal a budget worth waiting for.
Due to a series of fortunate events, the budget will increase $423,185 with no increase in the mill levy, which stands at 50.922.
"The only tax increase people would see is because of raised valuations," Koons said.
Of the increase, more than $235,000 has been earmarked for salary increases for teachers, administrators, and staff, he added.
"The board has made a statement that we want to try our best to get our teachers' salaries more competitive," Koons said.
"That's something that we should be able to accomplish this year more than other years. It looks like good news for our entire staff as far as compensation."
The good news comes, in part, from more state funding: $66,000 more for special education, $84,300 more for at-risk programs, and $64,200 more in per student allocations, from $4,257 to $4,317.
In addition, because the district's cash reserves are at an all-time high, with a balance of $893,624, the board plans to withdraw $65,000 from the account to help buy new school buses.
The 2006-07 budget includes $140,000 for the purchase of two buses and at least one used car.
The board on Aug. 14 accepted a bid of $128,984 from Midwest Bus Sales for the purchase of two 47-passenger buses.
A chart presented to the board by superintendent Gordon Mohn shows the district's reserves have increased steadily, from $487,721 in 2000 to its present level.
In his report to the board Aug. 14, Mohn wrote, "While accumulating cash reserves is very positive, there is also a time when reserves grow to an appropriate level and excess funds can be used for general operating expenses. The caution in doing this is that negative spending (spending more than you bring in) can quickly eliminate cash reserves."
Mohn suggested the district begin to spend the equivalent of the revenue that is generated annually by the capital outlay fund.
"In order to actualize this change, it is suggested that $65,000 used for bus replacements be moved from the general fund to capital outlay."
Koons said that while it was important for the district to build a reserve, now is the time to begin using some funds for current needs.
"I think that when we get to the $750,000 to a million range, I don't know if that's good use of taxpayers' money to put it away, hoard it," Koons said. "We do need to be saving for a rainy day and using it for present day needs, too."
The board's first concern, he said, was to make sure it could continue to attract and keep the best personnel.
"We feel our staff, from administrators, to teachers, to custodians is the best around, and we want them to know their service is appreciated and important to the district," Koons said.
In other business,
— The board approved the issuance of supplemental contracts to: Janette Brubacher, GAP sponsor; Valerie Duerksen, high school cheerleading sponsor; Sharon Funk, junior class sponsor; Jill Hein, GAP sponsor; Diana Holub, assistant high school volleyball coach; Anne Janzen, assistant middle school volleyball coach; Lisa Mayfield, high school cheerleading sponsor; Don Penner, assistant track coach; Jim Robb, assistant cross-country coach; Lynn Wiebe, head girls' tennis coach; and Bob Woelk, assistant girls' tennis coach.
— The board approved the issuance of classified contracts to: Robby McMinn, head start/pre-school bus driver; Ronda Wiens, bus driver/food service; Kris Clover, food service; Lois Shope, Title I aide; Lesli Beery, half time HES pre-school/ half-time parents as teachers director; Lori Soo Hoo, parents as teachers educator; Tammy Ollenburger, Title I aide/lunchroom.
— The board accepted a request from Terry Bebermeyer to be relieved from his supplemental contract obligation to serve as an assistant high school volleyball coach.
Accepted the resignation of Becky Lindsay as a Title I aide at HES.
— The board approved two changes in the guidelines for using district facilities. The first requires groups renting sports venues to provide uniformed security guards at the event. The second states that renters will be financially responsible for damage to district facilities or equipment.
In a related matter, due to increasing operation costs, the board increased usage fees charged to for-profit groups using the facility.
— In the business manager's report, Jerry Hinerman informed the board 21 tuition payments totaling $4,000 had been made by credit cards, representing about 10 percent of the total fees collected.
Hinerman also reported that it would ask for professional help in locating a "mystery leak" somewhere under the foundation of the elementary school. Teachers reported hearing running water under the concrete slab, he said, adding that significant damage could result if the leak is not quickly found.
— The board approved the payment of bills totaling $292,526.78.
— The board met twice in executive session — to discuss employer-employee negotiations, and to discuss matters related to the acquisition of real property. No actions were taken as a result.
