R-I Board Approves Deficit Budget
April M. Fronick • Editor
Despite a handful of minor cutbacks, the Bowling Green R-I Board of Education approved
the 2007-2008 budget with a deficit of about $893,000.
Superintendent Mike Gray offered a presentation during the regular meeting Monday, July
21. He explained revenue is anticipated to be just over $11.9 million this year with
essentially the same tax rate as last year ($3.25). He noted about $800,000 of the deficit
falls in salaries, benefits, etc., and there’s little that can be done in this fiscal year. Board
members, instead, focused on cuts in capital project to reduce the deficit.
“We’re going to need to look at a lot of things by next year,” Gray commented. “I don’t
anticipate a great deal of new revenue in the future.”
Board members managed to reduce the deficit by $16,730 by cutting back on projects
such as renovation of the press box at the football field ($7,000), purchasing four fewer
portable defibrillators ($5,130), budgeting less for a fence and sidewalk improvements at
the ballfields ($6,500).
“All of these can be argued to be good things. You have to make some hard choices,”
Gray added.
More funds may also be saved since the district has a contingency built into several
departments.
Board President Roger Colbert noted that with a deficit that high, it would be difficult to
make a dent. Gray agreed, noting cuts this year make a statement of things to come
rather than making a serious difference in the budget.
The board further decided to move forward with several projects including: installing
thermostats, dampers and sensors at the middle school ($19,000), sealing and striping
the parking lot ($29,500), re-keying the buildings ($11,570), purchasing two defibrillators
($3,000), and sidewalk work at the ballfield ($3,500).
A new bus routing system will also be purchased for around $5,500. The program will
calculate bus routes and the most efficient way to transport students.
Colbert noted the routing system could save enough money in more effective routes to
pay for the program. “I’d like to see us get this and sacrifice the press box.”
It was also suggested the district look into tapping the Booster club or other groups for
assistance with projects. Gray also pointed out he will examine a Homeland Security grant
for assistance with re-keying the buildings.
Board members opted to re-key the buildings to help protect the staff and the equipment.
The new system will prevent much of the key-copying and will monitor who’s allowed in
certain areas of the buildings with cards keyed to four different radio frequencies.
Gray warned board members that with the sizeable deficit, there will be no contingency
next year, so cuts will have to be made by next year, be it programs or projects.
In other business, board members agreed to make one change to offset losses in the food
service department. Gray explained the district lost an average of about 20-cents per
plate last year. Like many other neighboring school districts, the R-I board approved
increases to meals and milk.
The board unanimously approved a 25-cent increase to breakfast and lunch prices. They
also approved a 5-cent increase on milk prices. One carton of milk is included in the price
of a meal, additional milk cartons will now cost 25-cents. Breakfast prices will be $1 for
students K-12 and adults. Lunch prices will be $1.50 for K-5 students, $1.75 for 6-12
students, and $2.00 for adults. Reduced breakfast prices will be 20-cents and lunch will be
40-cents. Gray noted reduced prices are set by the state.
The board also:
•unanimously approved the middle school handbook with a new cheating policy and
clarifications on the “working lunch” program that will continue as it did last year.
•unanimously approved the high school handbook.
•unanimously approved the athletic handbook with stipulations regarding coach, student-
athlete and parent conduct and expectations.
•received a report from new high school principal Darin Powell about work to improve
student performance. Powell is working with staff questionnaires on ways to identify and
correct problems to bring about higher achievement and greater accountability, and
reduced drop-out rates.
•received a report from the Twin Pike Family YMCA about the After School Program that is
in its second year in the R-I District. Last year 54 students took part and through a strong
summer school, there are now 75 students enrolled for the upcoming year. It was also
mentioned the Y is embarking on a fund-raising campaign to assist with tuition for students
who cannot afford to take part in the After School Program. The Y has also applied for a
Before School Program and to facilitate the programs to students up to sixth grade rather
than fourth.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m.
Program Cuts Expected By Next Year