Feb. 4, 2015
The board discussed budget reduction planning and proposed legislation that would impact education funding. The district's Budget Advisory Committee has met twice and is being asked to look at reductions that represent 2%, 6.3%, and 8.5%. Dr. Bob Seymour, Assoc. Superintendent, reported that legislation was passed this week that would keep the state solvent for the next 2-3 months, and the legislation included delaying payments until June that would equalize capital outlay funding. Another bill under discussion would reduce funding for the Local Option Budget. Board member Curt Herrman commented that the latter bill seems to be aimed at forcing districts to spend down their contingency funds, which districts maintain for emergencies and for things like being able to make payroll when state payments have been delayed.
Dr. Seymour reported on the district's mid-year enrollment. Kindergarten had increased by 23 students, which amounts to one additional classroom of students. First grade had increased by 10 students. Other grades had experienced various increases or decreases, such that the net for grades K-12 was an increase of 9 students.
Board members also discussed possible topics for the retreat scheduled for Feb. 25. Topics to be discussed included the update to the Manhattan Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, utilization of classroom space, and the 2015-16 budget.
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
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