School District Implements Cost Savings Strategies Amid ESSER Fund Reductions

The Vicksburg Warren School District Board has made significant strides in cost-saving measures over the past year, as discussed in their recent meeting. With the loss of ESSER funds, the district has focused on optimizing its budget to demonstrate fiscal responsibility to the community.

Key initiatives include consolidating lawn care services from two vendors to one, which has streamlined costs and provided predictable monthly expenses. Additionally, the district has implemented on-site maintenance for air conditioning and heating units, which is expected to reduce costs in the upcoming year as initial maintenance expenses decline.

The board also prioritized securing competitive insurance coverage for property and liability, engaging multiple brokers to ensure the best rates. This effort has resulted in notable savings for the district.

Furthermore, the district has enhanced its scrutiny of purchasing and maintenance work orders, leading to substantial savings. While this has slightly slowed the purchasing process, the careful oversight has proven effective in managing expenses.

Looking ahead, the district plans to continue evaluating administrative costs to ensure efficiency and avoid becoming "top heavy." These proactive measures reflect the board's commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer money while maintaining quality educational services.