I-S School Board approves $3.7 million levy
A tax levy of $3.7 million for 2011-12 was approved by the Iola-Scandinavia School Board at a special meeting Oct. 24.
This reflects a $182,017 (4.6 percent) decrease from 2010-11 and a $9.40 mill rate, which is 4.4 percent less than the $9.83 mill rate in 2010-11.
The preliminary proposed mill rate, presented at the district's annual meeting in August, was projected to be down by 5.3 percent. Adjustments at the state level allowed the district to restore $51,057 of the $636,554 revenue limit reduction.
Also, the third Friday of September student count was higher than anticipated. The district had projected about 723 students and actually had 741.
"We need to levy the maximum or we would lose that money (in coming years) with declining enrollment," explained Jon Novak, business manager.
He noted that in 2012-13 the district will not have an added $150,000 in federal stimulus funds, which must be used in 2011-12.
The school board also approved a $7.76 million general fund budget for 2011-12. Board treasurer Bill Peterson said there is a slight negative of about $10,000 reflected in the approved budget.
Novak admitted there are some problem areas for the budget, including higher than expected unemployment benefits, especially for an employee laid off over a year ago. "It just doesn't seem like it ever stops," he commented. Also, the first session of summer school extended into July, causing the expenses for both sessions to be reflected on the 2011-12 budget instead of the 2010-11 budget.
Other unexpected expenses included the purchase of bus radios and extra tech hours for computer network updates. Novak noted that the transportation and tech budgets will be adjusted for these extra expenses.
This reflects a $182,017 (4.6 percent) decrease from 2010-11 and a $9.40 mill rate, which is 4.4 percent less than the $9.83 mill rate in 2010-11.
The preliminary proposed mill rate, presented at the district's annual meeting in August, was projected to be down by 5.3 percent. Adjustments at the state level allowed the district to restore $51,057 of the $636,554 revenue limit reduction.
Also, the third Friday of September student count was higher than anticipated. The district had projected about 723 students and actually had 741.
"We need to levy the maximum or we would lose that money (in coming years) with declining enrollment," explained Jon Novak, business manager.
He noted that in 2012-13 the district will not have an added $150,000 in federal stimulus funds, which must be used in 2011-12.
The school board also approved a $7.76 million general fund budget for 2011-12. Board treasurer Bill Peterson said there is a slight negative of about $10,000 reflected in the approved budget.
Novak admitted there are some problem areas for the budget, including higher than expected unemployment benefits, especially for an employee laid off over a year ago. "It just doesn't seem like it ever stops," he commented. Also, the first session of summer school extended into July, causing the expenses for both sessions to be reflected on the 2011-12 budget instead of the 2010-11 budget.
Other unexpected expenses included the purchase of bus radios and extra tech hours for computer network updates. Novak noted that the transportation and tech budgets will be adjusted for these extra expenses.
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