CISD Trustees okay FY14 budget

The Clarendon ISD Board of Trustees adopted a $5 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year during a called meeting last Tuesday, August 27.

The budget consists of two parts, $4.8 million for the school’s general fund and $222,256 for the district’s food services.

Superintendent Monty Hysinger said the fiscal year 2014 budget is based on an enrollment of 450 students; and although the district began the school year with 464 students, he believes that number will settle lower as the year goes on.

The budget reflects absorbing two aide positions and two teacher positions but also covers a third first grade teaching position that was necessitated by the enrollment in that grade.

The overall budget is 1.39 percent lower than the fiscal year 2013 budget, and it is supported by an ad valorem tax rate of $1.17 per $100 valuation that was approved by CISD voters in June.

The budget contains $50,000 for a first payment on a lease to acquire new student Macbooks. The current computers are six years old and need to be replaced.

Funds are also earmarked for some limited improvements and repairs to school facilities. The $40,000 line item will most notably be used for plumbing and sidewalk improvements at the Old Gym, and paving blocks to upgrade the dirt floor in the school’s fallout shelter behind the Colt Gym and under the cafeteria and library.

Hysinger said a National Weather Service employee had toured the school’s facilities and liked that area the best as a shelter in the event of severe weather but did recommend pavers for the floor.

Money is also available for the school to participate in an emergency notification communication system through the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission if the district pursues that option.

Local taxes are expected to generate about $1.58 million, and the remaining funds will come from state appropriations and other sources.