Based upon preliminary budget figures, the Lowndes County School District is in good shape, but tough decisions will have to be made to offset changes in the county and state’s financial picture, Business Officer Frances Goldmon told board members Wednesday afternoon during a budget workshop at the central office.
The value of a mill in the school district is expected to drop from $289,000 to $286,000, which may necessitate a millage increase, especially if the board chooses to follow through with plans to give $413,000 in raises and add 12 new positions throughout the district.
More than 700 full-time, contract/agreement employees, including teachers, will receive a $500 salary increase — their first raise in three years. Bus drivers and bus aides will receive a $125 increase.
The decreased mill value is due predominantly to several industries changing from assessed value to in-lieu agreements.
Last year, the district absorbed the cost of the decreased mill value, keeping the millage set at 47.76 mills — the same as the previous year.
But with statewide increases in retirement costs and numerous line item increases raising the district’s operating budget, Goldmon said care must be taken to maintain a healthy fund balance.
State law requires school districts to keep a fund balance equal to at least 7 percent of revenue, and higher reserves are recommended. It’s too early to tell what the district’s fund balance and final operating budget will be, Goldmon said.
The district currently has $4 million in construction and repair reserves and expects a $6 million operating surplus to roll over to Fiscal Year 2012-2013.
But schools have presented a laundry list of needs, from new library books to updated computer software and Promethean whiteboards.
West Lowndes Middle School officials are hoping for a full-time, certified librarian. New Hope Middle School officials would like to have a full-time show choir director. An additional band director is wanted at New Hope High School. If enrollment rises as expected at Caledonia Elementary School, another teacher may be necessary to keep the student-teacher ratio low.
The curriculum and technology budget is increasing by slightly more than $1 million. The district maintenance budget has increased as well.
The $6 million operating surplus must be spent wisely, Goldmon said.
The board will meet again June 8 to continue working on next year’s budget. A public hearing will be held before the budget is finalized in early July.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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