Grundy R-5, Laredo R-7 Boards OK Budgets

Budgets for 2018-19 were approved by the Grundy R-5, Laredo R-7 and Princeton R-5 boards of education during special meetings on Thursday night.
Grundy R-5
Superintendent Rob Deaver said Grundy R-5 anticipates a budget deficit of $70,778 for next year. The budget approved by the board showed estimated revenues of $2,351,521 while expenditures were listed at $2,422,299.
The board amended the 2017-18 budget to show actual expenditures and revenues, officially closing out the current school year.
A bid from Perkins Dozing of Lock Springs was accepted for the removal of two small houses on district-owned property. It was the only bid received. The board did table action on the sole bid received to paint the elementary school gymnasium and stage as well as some hallways and bathrooms at the high school. The board will discuss the bid at its July meeting.
There was discussion regarding projects, including construction of a ramp at the ag shop building as well as completion of the installation of a new gymnasium room and work to be done to bathrooms at the high school.
The board set its next regular meeting for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 16 at the elementary school in Humphreys.
Laredo R-7
The Laredo R-7 School District anticipates a balanced budget for next year.
Principal Misty Foster reported that the board approved the 2018-19 budget, which shows anticipated revenues of $955,030 while expenditures are estimated at $953,997. The board also closed out the 2017-18 school year by approving amendments to show actual revenues and expenditures.
Approval was given to the faculty and student handbooks as well as to the district emergency management plan and transportation report. The purchase of a new copier was approved and it was decided to approve a $20 per hour payment to former secretary Mona Loyd for any additional hours she accumulates for end-of-the-year work and training of new personnel.
New secretary Robin Griswold was added to the district bank account. The board heard reports on summer maintenance, cleaning, safety and personnel.
The board decided not to hold a July meeting and will next meet again on Monday, Aug. 20. The tax levy hearing will be held at 7 p.m., with the board meeting set for 7:30 p.m.
An executive session was held for personnel, legal, real estate and student matters, with no announcement made.
Princeton R-5
Because of ongoing construction projects planned during the 2018-19 school year, the Princeton R-5 School District is showing a significant deficit in the new budget approved by the board.
Superintendent Jerry Girdner said revenues for the new year, which begins on July 1, are estimated at $5,175,380 while expenditures are anticipated to be $7,847,296, resulting in a deficit of over $2.6 million for the year. Most of that deficit is due to the cost of construction work remaining at the school and Girdner noted that funds from a $6.2 million bond issue approved by voters in 2017 will pay for those costs. Without the construction costs figured in the expenditure side of the budget, the deficit for the year would be much less.
The board also approved amendments to the 2017-18 budget to show actual revenues and expenditures. Girdner noted that the district received over $400,000 more in revenues than had been budgeted while spending $2.7 million less that what was projected.
The board approved a $1,000 increase to the certified salary staff, making the base salary $30,000. Non-certified staff also saw an increase to their base hourly wage.
Following an executive session, the board voted to hire Anna Martin for an evening custodian position.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, July 9.