At the beginning of the 2014-15 fiscal year, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Lakers projected a balanced budget. A mid-year budget adjustment shows an even sunnier picture.
The Laker Board of Education approved budget amendments at a recent meeting. According to information provided by Superintendent Bob Smith and Chief Financial Officer Mike Klosowski, the district’s financial position has improved by about $120,000. The district was able to save money in fuel, retirements, health insurance and custodial costs. The district also had revenue increases in federal Title funds and E-rate funds.
The projected revenues total $8.88 million and expenditures total $8.75 million, leaving a surplus of $123,175. This will be added to the fund balance.
In other business, the board approved the hiring of an elementary special education paraprofessional. This position will cost the district $12,000 this fiscal year and after that, the cost for this position will shift to the Huron Intermediate School District. The person hired for this position – Deborah Russell – will work with special education children to ensure they are caught up on basic skills, as this lowers the need for assistance at higher grade levels, Smith said.
The board also approved a $2,500 retirement incentive for any interested paraprofessionals. Smith said two paraprofessionals currently qualify for the retirement incentive. The same offer was made in the last fiscal year, when three took the offer. Two of them returned this school year on a part-time basis.
In other action, the board:
*Approved a purchase agreement with Ricoh USA for copy machines/related services. The cost will be approximately $2,800 a month, which includes the cost of copies, Smith noted.
*Went into closed session to review the superintendent evaluation. The results of the evaluation will be discussed at the February board meeting.
The Laker Board of Education approved budget amendments at a recent meeting. According to information provided by Superintendent Bob Smith and Chief Financial Officer Mike Klosowski, the district’s financial position has improved by about $120,000. The district was able to save money in fuel, retirements, health insurance and custodial costs. The district also had revenue increases in federal Title funds and E-rate funds.
The projected revenues total $8.88 million and expenditures total $8.75 million, leaving a surplus of $123,175. This will be added to the fund balance.
In other business, the board approved the hiring of an elementary special education paraprofessional. This position will cost the district $12,000 this fiscal year and after that, the cost for this position will shift to the Huron Intermediate School District. The person hired for this position – Deborah Russell – will work with special education children to ensure they are caught up on basic skills, as this lowers the need for assistance at higher grade levels, Smith said.
The board also approved a $2,500 retirement incentive for any interested paraprofessionals. Smith said two paraprofessionals currently qualify for the retirement incentive. The same offer was made in the last fiscal year, when three took the offer. Two of them returned this school year on a part-time basis.
In other action, the board:
*Approved a purchase agreement with Ricoh USA for copy machines/related services. The cost will be approximately $2,800 a month, which includes the cost of copies, Smith noted.
*Went into closed session to review the superintendent evaluation. The results of the evaluation will be discussed at the February board meeting.