School budget reflects growth, security

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By David Meade

During a budget work session Tuesday, the Anderson School District One Board reviewed the proposed budget which had several changes from the previous version.

Revisions reflect estimated growth in the district of 91 students which will result in additional revenues of $191,191, based on the EFA Base Student Cost of $2,101, according to Associate Superintendent David Havird.

The budget also includes an increase in taxes of 3.6 mills to a proposed millage rate of 132.1.

The tax increase is the maximum amount allowed under Act 388 which caps increases on property taxes and allows for some inflation and growth. The 3.6 mill increase is on rental and business property and will amount to an additional $344,484 in revenue for the district.

The proposed budget has an increase of $200,000 for more school safety and security.

Other increases reflected in the 2013-14 budget include the addition of eight full time professional staff, $400,000 and and 1.4 FTE support staff, $35,000.

An increase for cost of years experience for teachers and staff amounts to $760,000. Required teacher certification upgrades amount to $125,000.

Employee health insurance is expected to increase six percent and will amount to $136,800.

Property, casualty and workers comp insurance is expected to increase $28,000 and student accident insurance is $23,000.

Other increases include maintenance and repairs, $50,000 and a new vehicle for maintenance $20,000.

Utilities are not expected to increase. Havird said that upgrades made during the recent building program have resulted in some cost savings on utilities.

The District is expecting revenues of $57,249,543 and budgeted expenditures amount to $57,798,143.

Making up the difference of $548,600 will require the District to tap into their reserve fund balance, which currently stands at $10 million.

District One budgeted $955,000 to come from the reserve fund for the current year but Havird said until the school year ends, they do not how much, if any of that is needed.

Superintendent Dr. Wayne Fowler said, “We set out to underspend the budget. That is the way we are able to survive in District One.”2013-14