The school board voted 5-0 on Monday night to approve a school budget that included nearly $1 million in cuts. Absent from the vote were Trustees Beth Nuccio and Karyn Milligan.
Terms of the new budget presented by Gary Kelley, interim assistant superintendent of finance, reported the $30,822,177 school budget was short $1,272,616 after slashing the budget by $997,025.
The cuts included $700,000 from the building and site fund, along with $297,025 in general cuts. The needed revenues will be withdrawn from a dwindling schools fund-equity account, added Kelley.
‘School auditors say 15 to 18 percent of the budget needs to be in reserve’right now we’re at about 10 percent.?
However, the 2008-09 district budget will be contingent on two key factors, say school officials: the September school count day and the state foundation allowance.
‘Right now we’re not sure how much the state is going to fund,? said Gregory Allar, school board president. ‘We budgeted a $48 per student increase in foundation allowance, which is on the low side. In the past the state has allocated us more, but we just have to wait and see right now’we’ll know this fall. The board is, and has been, very frugal and we have some excess in these tough times.?
An increase in student enrollment or more money from the state impact the extent of the cuts to the district.
Some of the $297,025 in cuts proposed by the finance committee includes the elimination of six kindergarten para-pros. The para-pros help teachers with reading and other educational work for about 25 students during the school day.
Other key cuts include the elimination of the school liaison officer, currently Oakland County Sheriff Detective Arnie Terrell. The cut will save the district $40,000 each year. Brandon Township currently picks up $74,000 of the $114,027 of the liaison’s salary and benefits.
Ron Lapp, Brandon Township supervisor said he will recommend to the township board at the July 7 meeting to fund the full salary of the school liaison officer.
‘The school liaison position is just too important to not fund,? said Lapp. ‘An established officer in the school works as both a deterrent to crime and someone who the students can relate to.?
Lapp added that if more money from the state or from more students becomes available, he would suggest the board funds the position.
Sgt. Peter Burkett, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Substation Commander spoke out regarding the elimination of the liaison position at the Monday night’s school board meeting.
‘Currently, both Brandon Township and Brandon Schools fund the liaison position. The officer dedicates the majority of his time to the schools. I would ask that the board find a way to continue to fund its part and to not place any additional burden on the township.?