District to discuss use of fund 80 balance after federal wind program funds released

The Spartan Area School District on a routine agenda update said the federal government released previously withheld Title IV funds for the district’s wind program, and staff advised the board that decisions about using local fund 80 balances are a local choice. District staff said no immediate board action was required and that the board would add an August agenda item to discuss fund-balance options. "The Title IV funds with the $100,000 that we received from the grant for Herman will be received," one staff member said. Department of Public Instruction (DPI) guidance was cited by staff as saying a fund 80 levy remains a fund 80 levy and DPI does not dictate how the local levy is used, "however, they acknowledge that our community might care," staff said. The district also noted it currently receives $610,000 per year from fund 80 for the wind program. Staff recommended the board decide whether to use fund-balance dollars now or seek feedback through the annual meeting process; the board agreed to add the discussion to August’s agenda. The board did not take formal action on the item during the meeting.