Enrollment down at R-5, board reviews budget, performance reports

The Gallatin R-5 Board of Education learned that enrollment is 605, down about 27 students, during their regular meeting held Wednesday, Sept. 14. The figure represents a loss of $100,000 or about 2% of the school’s total budget.

Superintendent James Ruse presented the budget which reflected a deficit spending of $185,000. Mr. Ruse said he was comfortable with this figure as it reflects the overall budgeting plan for the school of conservative revenue and aggressive expenditures.

Bills in the amount of $348,328 were paid as presented and the year-to-date ledger report was given along with investments.

Gallatin R-5 board policies are on the web at gallatin.k12.mo.us accessed at the public or school library; or a copy may be picked up at the superintendent’s office. Call the school at 663-2172 with questions or concerns.

The board adopted the No Child Left Behind policy regarding notification of parents about information on their school’s performance if it falls below federal guidelines.

Mr. Elbert presented an update on the A+ program. He provided a hand-out which covered compliance of students wishing to participate. Requirements include grade point average, attendance, and community service.

Mr. Ruse gave the Annual Yearly Performance report (AYP), as regulated by No Child Left Behind federal guidelines. The school met all areas of testing. Next month, he will provide information on the state-level Annual Performance Report (APR) which reflects the content of the previous year’s testing.

The board heard a “beginning of school” workshop with the legal dos and don’ts of the public school system and an overview of the legal situation of state education laws. Celinda Brasher, attorney at law from St. Louis, gave the presentation.

Concession stand, restrooms and the storage area building projects are complete with a few items to be addressed in the near future.

All board members were present at the Sept. 14 meeting.

The R-5 Board of Education was presented information about the regular, handicapped and vocational bus routes during their regular meeting held Aug. 18. The report included miles driven, driver, hours, number of students on the bus, etc. The bus routes were approved.

The district participated in a Guaranteed Tax Base (GTB) tax transfer, which allowed $255,000 to be moved from Fund One to Fund Four. The transfer of money from the operating fund allows the school to build the balance in the capital projects fund. To comply with the law, a future spending plan is required for the money in the balance of the fund. The plan for R-5 includes general campus improvements. The funds from this reserve will be available for major repairs to the school, rather than seeking funds from the community through levies. The transfer also permitted the maximum levy through the current state formula.

The board adopted a resolution authorizing the school to renew its not-for-profit status, which allows the school to transfer money to pay for leased purchases: such as the new building, the high school roof, heating and cooling upgrades.

Mr. Ruse reported that the audit has been returned and would be taken up during the October meeting. He reviewed general maintenance projects over the summer.

Bills in the amount of $272,405 were paid as presented..The year-to-date ledger was given along with investments.

Mike Feiden and Chad Mort attended the Tax Rate Hearing to speak on behalf of those Lake Viking residents whose valuations for real estate had increased after this year’s assessment.

Mr. Ruse presented information about the school’s assessed valuation increase and State Tax Commission forms. The Tax Rate Hearing was then held and the levy was lowered from $3.80 to $3.7131, as per State Tax Commission reassessment forms..

All board members were present at the August meeting. Board members are Mike Ward, Sandra Alden, Clint Vanatta, Alan Lunsford, Bill Irby; Vance Hefley, president; Brice Terry, vice-president; Linda Swopes, secretary.