The budget update for the fiscal year was discussed during the monthly school board meeting, Tuesday, July 8.
These numbers, according to Business Manager Kevin Strong, were preliminary numbers their audit will be scheduled for in the coming fall. The budget became official June 30, with last year’s budget ending well within what was budgeted.
“A lot of school districts had bad budget news this year, and we’re in good shape,” Strong said.
Along with this, Strong spoke on a .1% interest rate increase.
“We have been earning 5.2%, and I’ve been notified it’s going to go up to 5.3%. Right now, we’ll be earning probably the best interest rates since the early Reagan administration.”
In other business:
- New board officers were nominated for the 24-25 school year. Nominations went forward as follows: Board Chair- Jayce Reddick, Vice Chair- Mike Adams, Secretary- Mary Macey.
- Summer school is up and running with the extended school year.
- Board member Jenn Jo Northern asked a question about summer school and how the location is chosen.
- Board member Jim Gourley asked about the summer lunch program. Discussion ensued about the delay in the program and the plan for its implementation.
- Macey asked about the lawyer and supporting people locally. Discussion about the personal service contract ensued.
- Discussion of declining enrollment again, followed with personal discussion about people selling their houses and moving to Sweet Home.
- The Polly Rogers audit firm is trying to encourage better communication between them and the board, with a questionnaire about what’s on their minds and what they are expecting from the firm.
- The Board voted on keeping the date, time and location of the monthly board meeting.
- Mary thanked everyone for their patience reflecting on her first year. She commented on how people view the school district and comments and concerns people have about the district.
- There was an idea about giving a survey out to staff and personnel to reflect on how the district is doing.
- The 2018-2025 Strategic Plan is set to expire. Discussion ensued about that and correlation to teacher retention.