Both the Laredo and Spickard boards of education approved budgets during meetings held Monday evening at the respective schools. The Laredo budget shows a small deficit, while the Spickard budget indicates a slight surplus.
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Laredo
Administrator Jean Dustman said the 2008-2009 district budget shows anticipated revenues of $883,743, while expected expenditures are listed at $919,222, leaving a deficit of $35,479. Mrs. Dustman said the deficit can be attributed to less federal funds, as well as increased expenditures, particularly in the food service area. She also noted that the district has added another teacher, as well as being required to pick up the cost of one-half of a teacher through the Reading First Grant, so the district will actually be paying for one and one-half more teachers than last year. Board members also approved amendments to the 2007-2008 school year.
The board reviewed bids for milk, propane and diesel/unleaded gas. Prairie Farms was awarded the bid for milk and dairy products for the coming year, with MFA being awarded the bid for propane at a firm cost of $1.969 per gallon. MFA was also awarded the diesel fuel and unleaded gas bid for the price of a two-cent discount off the pump price.
Program evaluations were approved for career ladder, curriculum, health, technology, PDC and transportation. The board approved the Local Compliance Plan Certification Statement and voted to set meal prices at $1.25 for breakfast, $2 for student lunch and $2.50 for adult lunch. Milk will be 25 cents.
In her report, Mrs. Dustman announced that Julie Jasinski has been hired as head cook for the 2008-2009 school, with all positions now filled. She also reported that 28 students were enrolled in summer school, with an average attendance of 96.1 percent.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 14.
Spickard
The budget for the Spickard R-2 School District shows anticipated revenues of $824,752, with expenditures estimated at $820,999, leaving a balance of $3,753. Principal Lyle Best reported that the budget accounts for the increase in certified and non-certified salaries, ceiling work on the first floor of the building, playground improvements, contracting a second bus and other increases in utilities and supplies. The final amendments to the 2007-2008 budget approved, showing an increase in revenue of $12,449 and increases in expenditures of $5,273.
Bids were reviewed for the purchase of a school bus, but after reviewing the bid and the projected state transportation payment, the board agreed to not purchase a bus at this time. It was agreed to contract the second bus and to keep the school van, which will be used for business, but not to transport students.
In other business, the board voted to rejoin MARE for the 2008-2009 school year and agreed to turn $321.30 in delinquent lunch bills over to the prosecuting attorney.
Several board policy updates were approved in reference to nondiscrimination, bullying, harassment, compensation/payment of salary and electronically stored information. It was announced that a candidate has accepted the position of school nurse for the consortium that includes Spickard, Laredo, Grundy R-5 and Pleasant View R-6.
In other business, the board approved a 4.3 percent salary increase for the non-certified positions of secretary/bookkeeper, custodian, bus drivers and cook. The other non-certified positions will be voted on at the next meeting. A bid from STW Construction to lower ceilings on the first floor was approved at a cost of $2.50 per square foot, or approximately $6,880.
Best reported that yearly attendance was 94.3 percent and gave an update on the district accountability plan focusing on the MSIP report findings.
An executive session was held, with no announcement made.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 14.