PALESTINE —
In the face of reduced state funding and the absence of a one-time infusion of federal monies, a Palestine Independent School District administrator told trustees Monday night that it will be an “interesting” process as district leaders craft the 2012-13 school year budget.
Speaking during Monday’s board meeting, PISD Chief Financial Officer David Atkeisson said the PISD is currently facing “about a $1 million difference” next school year in order to keep the same staffing and services as the 2011-12 school year.
In addition to greatly-reduced state funding, PISD leaders say the district is losing approximately $600,000 in one-time “jobs” funding from the federal government.
Health insurance premiums for teachers are also going up, Atkeisson added.
Through natural staff attrition, lower projected fuel costs and other savings, however, Atkeisson indicated he believed the district will present something close to a balanced budget to the board of trustees in late August.
“All in all...for 12-13, it’s certainly going to be interesting to get things done, but I feel very comfortable we can do what needs to be done and have very close to a balanced budget...once all the dust settles.,” Atkeisson said during Monday’s meeting.
Also on Monday, the PISD board:
• APPROVED the Anderson County Appraisal District’s proposed budget for 2013.
• APPROVED minutes of meetings held on May 17, May 21 and June 7.
• APPROVED bills and financial, monthly investment and tax collection reports.
• APPROVED budget amendments and donations.
• APPROVED district’s goals for 2012-13 school year.
• APPROVED Policy Update 94, Affecting Policy FFAF (Local) Wellness and Health Services, Care Plans.
• APPROVED adoption of 2012-13 Student Code of Conduct.
• APPROVED hiring professional personnel.
Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com
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