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School budget approvedBy Barbara Brown The North Branch school board voted to accept the proposed budget for the coming school year at its Thursday night meeting. The total budget is projected to have $32.511 million in revenues and $35.445 in expenditures resulting in a deficit of about $3 million. The deficit will be picked up by the districtís fund balance. The districtís unreserved fund balance was left in good condition at the end of fiscal 2001-2002 because of growing enrollments and conservative spending practices, according to the budget report presented Thursday by finance director Randi Johnson. The report stated that even with a reduction in the fund balance, the fund will be $2.5 million or 9.5 percent of current revenues, well above a board target of eight percent. Enrollments for fall 2001 exceeded prior year projections and resulted in a near four percent growth rate. The districtís enrollments vary depending on the building. Enrollments in all schools are projected to increase next year with the greatest growth projected at the Main Street School. The new intermediate school site at Trinity Lutheran Church should help to relieve congestion in the Main Street, Primary and Middle schools. The intermediate site will cost about $600,000 for one-time costs. Johnson recommended through the report that the board consider an election for an operating referendum this fall. ěIf additional funding is not available through legislative action or a local election, the school district will need to implement major spending reductions for the 2003-2004 school year,î the report stated. Schools superintendent Dr. Robert Stepaniak said the board has already been told it may have to consider cutting job positions for the 2003-2004 school year if the state does not increase funding or if a referendum does not pass. Also included in the budget is an increase of five cents for lunches at all the schools. While the district cannot make money on its meal programs, the increase was necessary due to increased expenses including more meals served. Lunch at the Primary School will be $1.45, at the middle and high schools it will cost $1.65. Adult lunches will be $2.35. Milk prices will remain at 30 cents. Breakfast prices will increase to 85 cents so they are the same price for everyone. In relation to other districts, North Branch has among the lowest meal prices. ©ECM Post Review |