Centre board to survey patrons on budget matters
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
A large part of Monday's meeting of the Centre USD board of education was spent discussing budget issues. Superintendent Demitry Evancho presented information related to reduced revenues and increased costs.
According to his report, a minimum additional funding of $74,300 and a maximum of $91,608 will be required for the 2003-2004 school year.
After discussing several ways to increase revenue and decrease costs, the board voted to send out a survey to patrons. They will be asked if they would support or reject the following: textbook rental fees, student enrollment fees (for supplies), sports participation fees, drivers' education fees, reduction of athletic contests/programs;
Elimination of or fees for summer activity programs — swimming lessons, summer weight room, summer ball, biddy basketball; elimination or fees for late activity bus; reduction in field trips; reduction in ag/FFA trips by one-half; elimination of costs for out-of-state student trips; repair/replacement only, no new purchases of technology equipment; reduction of copies.
Patrons also will be asked their opinion of a possible four-day school week at some time in the future.
The largest cost increases for the next year are a result of a reduction of general fund budget authority, estimated at $69,000 if state aid remains at $3,863 per pupil, and increased insurance costs of at least $65,000.
Retirement and staff reduction will result in cost savings of $50,000. An anticipated cost saving of $20,000 will come from a reduction in the special education assessment. The reduction has not yet been approved by the special ed board.
The contingency fund balance currently is $84,458.88. The superintendent and board agreed that the fund needs to remain untouched because it is a rainy day fund. Evancho noted it could be tapped if the district was hit with an unexpected cost such as an exorbitant insurance premium.
An increase in the LOB (local option budget) assessment is expected. The amount of increase will be determined by funding needed after other measures are taken to increase revenue and decrease costs.
