USD 234 adjusts budget

Monday, April 13, 2009

USD 234 is scheduled to receive additional state funds due to a slight increase in enrollment this year.

During their regular Monday meeting, the USD 234 Board of Education approved a proposal to republish the district's amended $12 million budget for the 2008-09 school year to accommodate about $440,000 in added state revenue the district is slated to receive this year due to increased enrollment in several instructional areas, including the district four-year-old at-risk program, the K-12 at-risk program, and the special education program.

USD 234 Business Manager Alan Drake said the district must republish the amended budget in order to reflect the new state aid received this year. The district receives about $800,000 in state aid each month. Drake added that neither local property taxes nor the district's mill levy will be affected by the budget amendments.

The Kansas Legislature passed legislation last month that reduces base state aid per pupil $33 to $4,400 for the next two academic years in an effort to help eliminate state budget shortfalls. While this reduction will mean about an $85,000 loss in funding for USD 234 this year, the new state money will help the district finish the current school year on a positive note, Drake said.

"Our enrollment numbers back in August were based on $4,433 per student," Drake said. "We're gaining dollars because of an increase in enrollment, and losing money due to the legislation. But the gain and reduction are payments that will be spread over several months so it doesn't affect us at any one point in time."

Last month, lawmakers approved Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' proposal that cuts about $25 million, or 7 percent, of the state's total $3.8 billion K-12 education budget for the 2008-09 school year. The legislation reduces state aid per student to $4,400 and also reduces special education funding for 295 districts statewide.

Projected figures for the 2009-10 school year include another $33 reduction in state aid per pupil to $4,367, and a 1 percent reduction in special education funds, but Drake said district officials don't know what to expect while planning next year's budget.

"The numbers are not definite," he said. "Next year remains to be seen."

On Monday, the board also approved a proposal to eliminate the 2009 district summer school program due to recent budget concerns. The district would save about $30,000 this year through the elimination of the program, USD 234 Superintendent Richard Werling said.

"It's not because we don't want summer school ... it's a regretful decision we have to make," he said.

In other business, the board:

* Heard a presentation from the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization, a group of Fort Scott High School students who made a proposal to the board to implement a district-wide tobacco-free policy. The proposal would prohibit the use or advertisement of tobacco in any district-owned building or any district-owned property and also during school-sponsored events. On Monday, the board voted to put the policy in motion as of July 1 to give the district time to get appropriate signs in place notifying staff, students and the public of the new policy. The policy would require students and staff who use tobacco to leave school grounds to smoke or use chewing tobacco.

* Denied a proposal to implement a sixth-grade tackle football program at Fort Scott Middle School this fall. Several individuals were present at the meeting to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed program, which would be integrated into the FSMS intramural program with no additional cost for equipment or coaches. Supporters of the program have said that the program would give FSMS sixth graders more options each year concerning football activities. Those who oppose the program have said it would have a negative effect on the Fort Scott Little League's ability to play in a league in Nevada. FSMS officials said the program could be ready to start this fall if approved.

* Approved a change in the district's lunchroom visitor policy which states that non-employee visitors in district schools during breakfast and lunch period will be limited. A parent or guardian may eat with his or her student if prior arrangements are made with the building administrator. Approved participants in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program who are either full-time USD 234 employees or FSHS students may eat with their assignees if prior arrangements are made with the building administrator. Other visitors who have a direct school-related reason for eating at one of the schools must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the building administrator, according to the policy.

* Accepted the resignation of Winfield Scott Elementary School at-risk teacher Doris Cullor, and approved a request for maternity leave of absence for FSMS counselor Tammy Claypool. The board also approved employment of all district administrators for the 2009-10 year; employment of FSHS and FSMS licensed employees for the 2009-10 year; employment of Winfield Scott Elementary and Eugene Ware Elementary licensed employees for the 2009-10 year; and employment of special services license employees for the 2009-10 year.

* Approved a fundraiser project request from the FSHS dance team.

The board also conducted an executive session to discuss personnel matters for non-elected personnel, and to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations.