Subscribe
SEARCH: Go
The Leader & Kalkaskian



Local News

PUBLISHED: Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Schools plan for voter approval



KALKASKA - The Kalkaska school board accepted projected amendments to the operating budget for the 2007-2008 school year, and approved preliminary plans to seek voter approval for funding facility improvements and technology needs at their Dec. 10 meeting. The amended budget estimates expenses for 2007-2008 at $14,381,746, with revenues at $13,694,161. A carry-over of $687,585 from this year's fund balance will fill the shortfall. Final revenue numbers will depend upon pending state action, so these preliminary numbers may change with time. The projected fund balance for June 30, 2008 is approximately $876,000. Projected enrollment for the coming year is 1,589 students, down nearly 100 students from last year.

Advertisement

Superintendent Sandy recommended that facility improvements be funded mostly by a pay-as-you-go, interest-free "sinking fund," rather than by an interest-bearing bond. Although final numbers will not be available until the January meeting, Sandy's "ballpark" proposal was for an initial fund of three years duration, totaling about $2.6 million, and provided by a 1.5 mill property tax. The board approved this means of funding in principle, and will vote on ballot language at the January meeting.

Technology cannot be funded through a sinking fund approach, according to state regulations, and the board agreed that a small companion bond will be required to fund these improvements. The January final proposals will be publicized for examination by the electorate, and will be presented for approval at the May, 2008 election. In the interim, school officials and Board members will make themselves available to interested community action groups such as PTAs, Kiwanis, Rotary, and the like, to describe the needs and the priorities and explain the benefits of the chosen method of financing.

In other matters, board members heard reports and accepted an advertising proposal from the public relations committee, accepted a forest management plan for certain school properties, and approved the terms of a voluntary severance package for support staff employees.

The board also approved the purchase of a 2008 model passenger bus to be used for vocational education transportation.





TOP JOBS

TOP AUTOS

TOP HOMES

TOP RENTALS