Sumner School District’s student population has not taken the “normal dip” so far this budget year as it has in recent years, according to a budget presentation given to the school board by Debbie Campbell, executive director of business services.
That assessment was part of a presentation on mid-year reductions in the district’s 2010-2011 school year budget. The total anticipated revenue change to date, which is not final, is a $696,695 reduction.
The district is expected to receive $1,591,396 in Federal JOBS funding, but it is a zero-sum benefit—the state is expected to take an equal amount away from the district in apportionment of state education funds, in February reductions.
Another $580,594 in funds are expected to be reduced from the K-4 Enhancement fund.
The apparent lack of a dip in the student population was the “good news” of the report. The school district receives more than $6,500 of state funding per student, and in the previous budget year the district experienced an estimated loss of $841,491 due to a mid-year exodus of students.
Campbell also highlighted a greater influx of graduating students from Dieringer School District, which does not have a high school of its own and gives families the choice of what district to transfer when their students enter high school.
“Is it because we have (Bonney Lake High School) on a hill now?” Campbell said. “I don’t know, but we’re happy to have them.”
In other district news, the school board:
• recognized Cindy Carter and Jennifer Spain of the Pierce County Recreation Department for their park Companion Program and its receipt of the Daisy Stallworth Achievement Award in Violence Prevention. The school board was reciprocated with a duplicate of the award plaque.
• reviewed a summary report on the change in high school math assessment, given by Research and Assessment Director Susie Lynch. A transition will be made to an end of course exam, as opposed to the comprehensive test in the High School Proficiency Exam.
• authorized the transfer of more than $90,000 between general ledger accounts to comply with new state financial reporting requirements.
• voted in a new Asset Preservation program. Under the new program, the district will examine its properties built with state assistance funding for proper maintenance and upkeep once a year, and report those findings to the state once every six years. Properties that fall under the category are Bonney Lake High School and Lakeridge Middle School.
• approved the new capital facilities plan to be sent to the Pierce County Planning Commission. Annual updates are required to the plan to receive impact fees.
• elected Sherm Voiles as president and Richard Hendricks as vice president of the school board.
