Superintendent James Ruse presented a budget update for the 2008-2009 school year to the Gallatin R-5 Board of Education during their regular meeting held April 16. The initial budget was balanced, but Mr. Ruse expects a deficit budget for the new year.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
The school is looking at only about $15,000 in new money expected to be received from Missouri’s new school funding formula that went into effect this year. That amount will be the same for the next five years. He said the school was receiving between $100,000 to $150,000 previously.
Mr. Ruse told the board that Gallatin R-5, along with 250 other schools, is part of a lawsuit brought against the state which should be heard by the Missouri Supreme Court in December of this year, with a decision expected in March of next year. The suit claims the new funding formula does not provide enough money and distributes the funds unfairly.
"We’re hanging our hat on that lawsuit," he said, "because we have to."
He added that the new funding formula is especially hard on small, rural schools, but there was comfort in numbers.
"Many schools our size are in like condition, or worse," he said.
In other business at Wednesday’s meeting, Gallatin received certification for "Highly Qualified and Certified" staff, by No Child Left Behind. The school offers 65 credits; only 40½ are required.
"We exceeded considerably the offering for a school our size," said Mr. Ruse. "That’s good news for kids."
The school looked at the 2008-09 diesel contract. Cost will be $3.78 the first half of the new school year and $3.80 the second half. Mr. Ruse said it was the highest amount the school has had to pay for diesel so far. Because the school was contracted, it presently pays $2.56 for diesel fuel.
The board heard support staff evaluations and raised their salary 2%.
The old board was retired and the new board reorganized. Sandra Alden, Tim Bradford and Donnie Smith were sworn in. Brice Terry is president. Sandra Alden is vice-president. Linda Swopes is secretary. Leslie Lynn is treasurer.
The board discussed an earthquake insurance policy and a new IRS policy regarding the method money is disbursed to employees.
The board went over the MSBA policies, which are reviewed every three months.
A salary presentation was made by representatives of the Certified Teachers Association during the regular meeting of the Gallatin R-5 Board of Education held Wednesday, March 19. The board raised the base pay for teachers $250, making the current base $29,250.
Jeff White of Cameron was offered the position of high school physical education/football coach.
The board entered into executive session to hear teacher evaluations. All elementary and high school teachers were offered contracts and all are expected to return.
Three new copy machines were purchased for $6,725 from Imaging Solutions of St. Joseph. The machines are Sharps and the school hopes for four years of service. The previous copy machines were leased and provided three years of service.
The board heard the food establishment inspection reports for the high school and elementary. Suggestions were made regarding food storage, and the school has complied..
Bills were approved for payment.
The Gallatin R-5 Board of Education was presented information regarding assessor fees at their regular meeting held on Wednesday, Feb. 13.
Changes in the way the school district fees were assessed resulted in a reduction of money disbursed to the school in the amount of about $30,000.
The board went over the ledger. Investments are in the amount of $2,525,000 with an interest range of 4.9% to 3.8%.