Board weighs replacing school sign now or waiting until next fiscal year amid tight appropriation

District leaders told the East Kingston School District board they have a vendor quote of $3,890 to replace the school sign; board members discussed whether to spend from the current fiscal-year appropriation or wait until the new fiscal year.

The business officer reported that, since the last meeting, the district’s remaining appropriation decreased from $19,546 to $7,147 after $12,399 in additional spending and encumbrance adjustments. The officer said the district projects a fund balance of $14,147 but emphasized the district is not permitted to exceed its current appropriated expense authorization without a formal vote, even if additional revenue arrives.

The principal (or district speaker) said families and neighbors had provided feedback that the sign is deteriorating and that letters fall out, and presented the $3,890 quote. Several board members expressed reservations about spending the appropriation before the fiscal year ends because substitute-teacher costs and other expenses might push the district over its appropriation. One board member suggested postponing the purchase until after July 1 so the item could be included in next year’s budget; another said the board could vote in June if necessary.

No purchase or spending motion was approved at the meeting. The board agreed to revisit the sign replacement and consider a June vote or defer the expense to the next fiscal year.