PALESTINE —
Westwood Independent School District trustees approved a total budget of approximately $13.7 million Monday night, dipping into the district’s fund balance by slightly more than $1 million to balance the budget.
Like most school districts throughout the state, Westwood has seen its state funding reduced in recent years, while also losing some federal monies as well this budget cycle.
Trustees voted unanimously, 6-0, to approve the district’s 2012-13 budget and total tax rate of $1.17 per $100 valuation.
Trustee John Tilley was absent from Monday’s meeting.
Tricia Wardell, business manager for the WISD, said the district’s state funding was down about $214,000 this year, while approximately $300,000 in federal education jobs funding was also discontinued.
“Our costs are up about $100,000,” Wardell added, “basically due to an increase in fuel and utilities.”
Based on figures displayed during Monday’s public hearing on the budget, the district is scheduled to utilize approximately $1,018,500 from its fund balance to support the 2012-13 budget.
WISD Superintendent Dr. Ed Lyman told the Herald-Press that the WISD’s fund balance is projected to be approximately $4.95 million on Sept. 1.
Even with the fund balance being accessed to fund this year’s budget, the WISD chief believes it will still be in the vicinity of $4 million one year from now.
“We think we’ll be able to keep it (fund balance) around $4 million,” Lyman said. “We’re trying to maintain that healthy fund balance for the next two or three years since we don’t know when this drouth of state funding will end.”
Although the budget calls for the district to use slightly more than $1 million of its fund balance for the 2012-13 budget, Lyman is optimistic the figure could be closer to $600,000.
Of the district’s 31 new teachers, 20 are new to the profession as some of the WISD’s veteran teachers have retired and are being replaced by first-timers to the profession in many cases, he indicated.
“About 20 of them are brand new to the profession, so they’re basically at the bottom rung of the salary scale,” Lyman said. “We didn’t plan it that way, that’s just the way it worked out. We like to maintain a healthy mix of experienced teachers and young, energetic teachers.”
Lyman said all of the district’s departmental budgets were cut “by at least 5 percent” this year.
“They (department heads) worked very hard to reprioritize their funds,” Lyman said.
Despite the tight budget, the WISD superintendent said the district’s students and patrons will not see any reduction in programs or services this year.
--------------
Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com
Local News
Westwood approves budget
- Local News
-
-
Anderson County authorities resolve 2012 murder case
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office investigators have resolved the case of a female murder victim whose remains were found on a local county road in October 2012.
-
West Nile case confirmed in Anderson County
The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the state’s first case of West Nile illness of the season — occurring in Anderson County — on Friday, and is urging residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the mosquito-borne illness.
-
County judge honored for education efforts
Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston has been honored by the Texas Judicial Academy for going the extra mile to be prepared to handle his duties as county judge.
-
Salute to Armed Forces event re-invented
The Texas State Railroad’s 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event Saturday at the Palestine Depot has been re-invented this year on Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to all branches and all eras of the U.S. military service through its 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event.
-
Police investigating robbery
Palestine Police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery of a local convenience store involving multiple suspects that occurred late Tuesday evening.
-
Boil water notice issued for Elkhart residents
A boil water notice has been issued for City of Elkhart residents. It reads as follows:
Due to a water main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system, City of Elkhart PWS id 0010005, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. -
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
The City of Palestine Parks and Recreation Department will kick off the first full season for the Reagan Park Spray Ground with an public opening event this Saturday.
-
Annual Bluegrass Music Festival begins today at Salmon Lake
Bluegrass bands from across the country will descend upon the Grapeland area this week for the 16th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Music Festival, opening today and continuing through Sunday at Salmon Lake Park.
-
Healthy cooking program offered
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Palestine is offering a four-week program starting this Thursday to help diabetics make healthy cooking choices.
-
Steps of Faith Dance Center production Saturday
Steps of Faith Dance Center will hold its annual production at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palestine Civic Center.
“We’re going to take you to a land far away and tell you the ‘real’ story of some of your favorite fairy tale characters,” Steps of Faith Dance Center owner Jennifer Ballew said. “The production is full of lively fun music, a reminiscing ol’ Granny, and of course the incredible dancing of several talented students.” - More Local News Headlines
-
Anderson County authorities resolve 2012 murder case
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
