Posted on March 27, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
A Knox Community High School teacher testified before the Indiana State Senate Education and Career Development Committee earlier this month to encourage lawmakers to look into budget cuts at smaller schools with the restructuring of the school budgets.
Travis Flora, a Knox High School Physics and Chemistry teacher, said it comes down social aspects which puts small, rural schools at a disadvantage.
“One of the issues is the complexity index which is a measure of some socio-economic situations such as single parent homes, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – basically the economic status of people – Special Education and English as a Second Language. Somehow, Knox dropped by 20 percent in the complexity index.”
The complexity index is a formula that determines funding for schools with a host of variables to create funding for schools.
In his speech to lawmakers, Flora pointed out that the draft budget finds an increase of $145,000 from the foundation grant for the Knox Community School Corporation, but will lose $340,000 with the complexity index, which amounts to about a 20 percent shortfall in the school’s budget. It trickles down to hurt a student’s education, according to Flora, and it doesn't allow for teachers to gain in salaries to keep up with the increase in the cost of living to continue in the profession.
“A lot of small town rural communities view their school as the nucleus of the community and it’s being defunded. You look at all the small towns around here, a lot them are getting hit. Is it intentional or is it neglect? I don’t know. You’ll have to ask the people making the decisions.”
Flora noted that he hasn't personally gotten any feedback from lawmakers regarding his testimony, but hopes that they make a decision that will assist schools in a positive direction.
Click here to view his speech.
Showing posts with label school budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school budget. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Budget Hearing Held at NJ-SP School Board Meeting
Posted on September 22, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson San Pierre school board members held a hearing over the 2019 budget, capital project plan and bus replacement plan when they met on Tuesday.
No public comments were provided. The hearing was adjourned and members moved onto the budget adoption section of the meeting, where a number of items were listed for their consideration.
In addition to adopting the 2018 General Fund and Rainy Day Fund appropriations reduction resolutions, members adopted the budget and the capital projects and bus replacement Plans for 2019.
Members also adopted a resolution for an advertised budget reduction, resolutions to establish the Education and Operation Funds, as well as resolutions to establish the initial funding for those funds.
The final resolution permitted funds to be transferred from the Education Fund to the Operation Fund.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin provided some clarification about this resolution, stating that certain non-education related expenses that used to be paid out of the General Fund will now need to be paid out of the Operation Fund.
However, since the funds that were previously stored in the General Fund will now go into the Education fund, a resolution has to be in place to allow those transfers to be made. Zupin added that any future transfer requests will still need to come before the school board for approval.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
North Judson San Pierre school board members held a hearing over the 2019 budget, capital project plan and bus replacement plan when they met on Tuesday.
No public comments were provided. The hearing was adjourned and members moved onto the budget adoption section of the meeting, where a number of items were listed for their consideration.
In addition to adopting the 2018 General Fund and Rainy Day Fund appropriations reduction resolutions, members adopted the budget and the capital projects and bus replacement Plans for 2019.
Members also adopted a resolution for an advertised budget reduction, resolutions to establish the Education and Operation Funds, as well as resolutions to establish the initial funding for those funds.
The final resolution permitted funds to be transferred from the Education Fund to the Operation Fund.
Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin provided some clarification about this resolution, stating that certain non-education related expenses that used to be paid out of the General Fund will now need to be paid out of the Operation Fund.
However, since the funds that were previously stored in the General Fund will now go into the Education fund, a resolution has to be in place to allow those transfers to be made. Zupin added that any future transfer requests will still need to come before the school board for approval.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
North Judson-San Pierre School Officials to Present Proposed Budget for 2019 to the Starke County Council
Posted on August 22, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Starke County Council will be considering the proposed 2019 budget for the North Judson-San Pierre Community School Corporation at their next meeting.
When NJ-SP School Board members met Tuesday evening, they approved a motion to submit the budget to county officials. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin explained since they have to provide the document to the county council members since the school board is appointed. The Starke County Council will meet on Monday, September 17th.
In addition to approving the budget submission, school board members also permitted a “notice to the taxpayers” to be advertised. The notice will simply inform the public about a hearing that will be held over the Capital Projects and Bus Replacement Plans.
The hearing will be held during the school board’s next meeting on Tuesday, September 18th.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Starke County Council will be considering the proposed 2019 budget for the North Judson-San Pierre Community School Corporation at their next meeting.
When NJ-SP School Board members met Tuesday evening, they approved a motion to submit the budget to county officials. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin explained since they have to provide the document to the county council members since the school board is appointed. The Starke County Council will meet on Monday, September 17th.
In addition to approving the budget submission, school board members also permitted a “notice to the taxpayers” to be advertised. The notice will simply inform the public about a hearing that will be held over the Capital Projects and Bus Replacement Plans.
The hearing will be held during the school board’s next meeting on Tuesday, September 18th.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
NJSP School Board to Hold Public Hearings for 2018 Budget & Proposed Lease Agreement
Posted on September 19, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
When the North Judson-San Pierre School Board members meet tonight they will hold a public hearing for their 2018 school budget, the capital projects fund and the bus replacement fund. The will also hold a hearing about a proposed lease agreement.
Once the hearings have been adjourned, council members will move on to budget adoption. They will also be acting on the capital projects plan, the bus replacement plan and a tax neutrality resolution. Board members are scheduled to adopt the advertised budget reduction resolution.
After the budget adoption concludes, members will move on to the regular meeting where they will consider the final adoption of board policies as well as a resolution approving the form of lease agreement. They will also discuss approving the issuance of series 2017 bonds and the approval of school improvement plans.
The NJSP school board meets tonight at 7 p.m. in the central office board meeting room.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
When the North Judson-San Pierre School Board members meet tonight they will hold a public hearing for their 2018 school budget, the capital projects fund and the bus replacement fund. The will also hold a hearing about a proposed lease agreement.
Once the hearings have been adjourned, council members will move on to budget adoption. They will also be acting on the capital projects plan, the bus replacement plan and a tax neutrality resolution. Board members are scheduled to adopt the advertised budget reduction resolution.
After the budget adoption concludes, members will move on to the regular meeting where they will consider the final adoption of board policies as well as a resolution approving the form of lease agreement. They will also discuss approving the issuance of series 2017 bonds and the approval of school improvement plans.
The NJSP school board meets tonight at 7 p.m. in the central office board meeting room.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Proposed N.J.-S.P. Budget Factors in Declining Enrollment
Posted on September 22, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation’s proposed 2017 budget reflects shrinking revenue, according to information shared during this week’s budget hearing.
Business Manager and Treasurer Guy Richie told the county council the proposal is very similar to what was approved last year, except the dollar amounts are less. The approved 2016 budget is $7.6 million, compared to $7,035,070 proposed for 2017 . Richie says the dip in funding is due to dwindling enrollment. N.J.-S.P. has seen a steady slip in both revenue and enrollment over the past decade. The school board reluctantly approved a reduction in force in the spring after voters rejected a general fund property tax referendum last November. Richie says they also set up a $1.1 million rainy day fund with money from capital projects and transportation. He says it has buoyed the general fund.
“Over the past eight months, we have expended $576,000 less, so with our reductions that are in place, they are working. But at the same time, the receipts in that time frame have been over $700,000 less. So our current cash balance shows at $469,000, but if we had not had the rainy day transfer nor the reductions, we would be negative right now.”
Additionally, enrollment at N.J.-S.P. is down 31 students over this time last year, which will affect the amount of tuition money the corporation gets from the state. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin told the school board Tuesday night she’s in the process of analyzing the data to determine where students went and why.
Richie says told the council enrollment N.J.-S.P. has been declining for the past 14 or 15 years and is expected to continue doing so based on birth rate and aging population data. The council conducts the corporation’s annual budget hearing and approves their proposal since the school board is appointed.
Zupin says the administration will keep a close watch on enrollment and identify potential reductions in force.
“We will look every year about this time, because of the ADM, matching staff with students to get a ratio. It’s something we’re going to have to visit every year and make sure we’re being prudent,” she said.
Several corporations are experiencing declines in enrollment as a result of fewer school-aged children and the state’s open enrollment policy, which allows students to attend classes outside of their home district without paying tuition. Council members asked Zupin at what point the county’s three corporations seriously discuss shared services. She says they’ve talked about it and already have arrangements in place for vocational programs.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation’s proposed 2017 budget reflects shrinking revenue, according to information shared during this week’s budget hearing.
Business Manager and Treasurer Guy Richie told the county council the proposal is very similar to what was approved last year, except the dollar amounts are less. The approved 2016 budget is $7.6 million, compared to $7,035,070 proposed for 2017 . Richie says the dip in funding is due to dwindling enrollment. N.J.-S.P. has seen a steady slip in both revenue and enrollment over the past decade. The school board reluctantly approved a reduction in force in the spring after voters rejected a general fund property tax referendum last November. Richie says they also set up a $1.1 million rainy day fund with money from capital projects and transportation. He says it has buoyed the general fund.
“Over the past eight months, we have expended $576,000 less, so with our reductions that are in place, they are working. But at the same time, the receipts in that time frame have been over $700,000 less. So our current cash balance shows at $469,000, but if we had not had the rainy day transfer nor the reductions, we would be negative right now.”
Additionally, enrollment at N.J.-S.P. is down 31 students over this time last year, which will affect the amount of tuition money the corporation gets from the state. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin told the school board Tuesday night she’s in the process of analyzing the data to determine where students went and why.
Richie says told the council enrollment N.J.-S.P. has been declining for the past 14 or 15 years and is expected to continue doing so based on birth rate and aging population data. The council conducts the corporation’s annual budget hearing and approves their proposal since the school board is appointed.
Zupin says the administration will keep a close watch on enrollment and identify potential reductions in force.
“We will look every year about this time, because of the ADM, matching staff with students to get a ratio. It’s something we’re going to have to visit every year and make sure we’re being prudent,” she said.
Several corporations are experiencing declines in enrollment as a result of fewer school-aged children and the state’s open enrollment policy, which allows students to attend classes outside of their home district without paying tuition. Council members asked Zupin at what point the county’s three corporations seriously discuss shared services. She says they’ve talked about it and already have arrangements in place for vocational programs.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
N.J.-S.P. Moves Closer To Budget Adjustment Goals
The interim superintendent with the North Judson – San Pierre school corporation says they are still in the assessment phase of their plans when it comes to readjusting their finances.
Following the retirement of their previous superintendent, and a property tax levy referendums’ inability to receive sufficient support for passage at the ballot box, N.J.-S.P. says it has some work to do for 2016.
Superintendent Bob Boyd says they did achieve a small cash balance of $182-thousand for 2015.
“We’re in the process of planning some steps to assure that that occurs in 2016,” says Boyd.
North Judson – San Pierre schools are facing a similar situation to many rural school corporations in the state: declining enrollment and reduced revenue support from the state of Indiana.
Boyd says it’s still early in his tenure, but he’s working to review data and information with the school corporation’s Board of Education. This week, Boyd says he will be meeting with the administrators of the three schools to find out where adjustments can be made to their expenditures.
The goal, according to Boyd, is to balance the budget without impacting student performance.
“It’s going to take more than just tweaking,” says Boyd. “It’s going to take some structural re-alignments of the district and at this point a lot of options are on the table to be looked at.”
Boyd says that as more concrete plans are developed, the school board’s plan is to share their vision with the public prior to implementing changes to their budgets.
Action by the board to react to the changes in revenue expectations is anticipated at some point this year.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
N.J.-S.P. School Board Plans Budget Sessions in Face of Funding Woes
The North Judson – San Pierre School Corporation has their work cut out for them, but all indications are they will end this fiscal year in the black.
Tuesday night’s school board meeting brought with it a packed house and a few observers wondering what the school corporation’s plans are following the defeat of a referendum designed to temporarily increase the property tax levy.
School Board President Pat Goin kept her comments on the issue brief.
“Certainly we as a board are disappointed that we didn’t get the referendum passed,” says Goin. “That was very evident. We felt that we needed the money to move forward and to provide a good education and opportunities for our students. Having said that, we must now face what we have and work with it and try to find solutions.”
Over the next six to eight weeks, the N.J.-S.P. School Board will be meeting regularly to discuss its finances, both in the short and long-term.
Several residents expressed concerns about involving the public in the discussions. The Board made it clear that some of their meetings will be work sessions open to the public. As things stand, a reduction in force is a strong possibility.
Goin says their focus going forward will likely be on the coming calendar year
“What will happen between January 1st and June 30th? That is still to be determined and I say that not to put anyone off, but just to tell you that we’re looking at all of the possibilities,” says Goin.
The North Judson – San Pierre School Board met in executive session prior to Tuesday night’s meeting and said they intended another executive session following the meeting to further consider their finances before bringing their ideas to the public.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
N.J.-S.P. Board Approves Budget, Teacher Contracts
Published:
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board last night approved a bare-bones budget for 2016. The $8 million general fund spending plan is down about $2.5 million from just a few years ago due to declining enrollment and changes in the way the state funds schools. General fund dollars are mainly used to pay teacher salaries and cover the cost of programs.
The corporation is asking voters who live within the N.J.-S.P. school district to support a general fund referendum in November to make up the shortfall. Without it they say additional, painful cuts to programs and services will be necessary.
School board members also approved capital projects and bus replacement plans as part of the overall budget. Business manager and treasurer Guy Richie says the capital projects plan is very similar to what has been done in the past two to three years. The corporation is scheduled to replace two buses in 2016.
The board also approved a teacher contract through June 30, 2017. Salaries are frozen, and professional development will only be offered if grant funds are available to cover the cost. Superintendent Lynn Johnson notes the contract can be reopened for language and salary negotiations if both sides agree to do so.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Budget Adoption, Teacher Contracts on N.J.-S.P. Agenda
Published:
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board is poised to adopt an $8 million budget when they meet this evening. That’s down nearly $2.5 million over the past couple of years, according to corporation officials. They say declining enrollment and changes to state funding are to blame. The corporation is asking voters who live within the N.J.-S.P. school district to support a general fund referendum in November to make up the shortfall. Without it they say additional, painful cuts to programs and services will be necessary.
In addition to the budget the board will approve the 2016 bus replacement plan. Money for buses comes from the corporation’s transportation fund. The general fund is mainly used to pay for salaries and programs.
Approval of a contract between the school board and North Judson-San Pierre Classroom Teachers Association is also on tonight’s agenda. Superintendent Lynn Johnson told the board last month negotiations went very well and there are minimal changes. One reflects the change in the payroll schedule due to the switch to the balanced calendar, and another addresses a change in insurance premiums. Salaries are frozen, and professional development will be offered if grant money is available to cover the cost.
Tonight’s school board meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation central office.
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