NEW PALESTINE — With the start of the new school year comes a fresh budget and new ideas from local education administrators.
Officials with the Community School Corp. of Southern Hancock County have released budget figures for 2016 along with approving long-term corporation goals.
The full budget numbers are much higher than in the 2015 budget. The district is expected to receive an additional $1.45 million for 2016.
The overall budget is broken into six separate funds. The general fund will go up $1.28 million to $20.3 million. The general fund incorporates many areas such as regular programs, salaries, benefits, supplies, fees, substitutes and travel.
The debt services fund has increased by $47,000 to $5.4 million. The capital projects fund increased by $75,000 to $2.7 million. The transportation fund increased by $40,000 to $1.87 million. The bus replacement fund stayed the same at $440,000, while the pension fund decreased by $500 from $442,750 to $442,250.
A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Aug. 24, with a vote for board approval on the budget scheduled for Sept. 14. The State Board of Tax Commissioners will conduct a field hearing in October with certification on the budget slated for January 2016.
In other school business, the board has approved the corporation’s goals created by administrators and board members following a June work session.
The first goal focuses on community outreach. Superintendent Lisa Lantrip said the district hopes to promote better communication throughout the community.
The second goal surrounds 21st century learning tools. She said the district will pursue excellence through the implementation of innovative and high-quality programming designed for the 21st century learner.
The third goal is for an insured learning opportunity. Lantrip said the district will provide learning opportunities through the highest quality program for all students.
The fourth goal surrounds the learning environment. Lantrip said the district will strive to maintain a safe, supportive and caring learning environment while maintaining school responsibilities.
“They sound like good goals to me,” board member Tom Tucker said.
The board approved the goals via a 5-0 vote.
It also approved a $212,500 bid by Brown’s Roofing to replace the remaining roof at the former Doe Creek Middle School building.
Yoder said the district received six bids, but he recommended Brown’s Roofing for the project as the lowest bidder.
“We’re pleased with that because they do a lot of work for us and they always do a very good job,” Yoder said.
Yoder said once the work is done this fall it will complete the replacement of the roof on the building, which currently is not being used. But, Yoder said, the work still needs to be done.
“We will have a major expenditure out of the way,” Yoder said.
