Fieldcrest Superintendent Dr. Dan Oakley presented the proposed budget for 2017 at the Fieldcrest Board of Education meeting Wednesday night in Minonk. Dr. Oakley said he is hopeful the state will fund fully this year but is concerned that the political maneuvering in Springfield is not yet done.
The starting operating funds for 2017 is estimated at $1,957,686 with $1,323,125 set for education and $295,457 for transportation. He cautioned that the budget is conservative in that revenues are under stated and expenses are over stated in order to prepare for shortfalls from the state. He said the state shorted the school district $400,000 in state aid last year which resulted in a $14,000 deficit for the school at the end of the fiscal year.
Dr. Oakley said he anticipates $8,976,208 in education fund revenue in 2017 and anticipated expenses of $9,920,901. He said the GSA (General State Aid) has declined $1,778,576 since 2011 although some of the decline is due to a decline in enrollment.
Dr. Oakley concluded by saying the biggest issue continues to be over spending on buildings and building related staffing. He said as enrollment declines the school district will eventually have to reduce the number of buildings to 3.
In other business, Dr, Oakley said progress is being made in getting ready for the building referendum next April including the wording on the ballot.
Dr. Oakley said as a result of the bilingual conference the school needs to identify students who may need help with language and determine if special schooling may be required.
Dr. Oakley said the transition to attendance centers will require 4 additional shuttles which will result in an increase in cost but will be partly offset by a reduction in staffing.