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Board briefed on proposal to use $2.75 million from Battle Creek Community Foundation for math and science center
Summary
Staff recommended drawing $2.75 million from a Battle Creek Community Foundation fund over six years (approximately $400,000 annually) to offset operating shortfalls and support projects at the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center; trustees clarified FTE and program details during discussion.
District staff presented a recommendation to use $2,750,000 from a fund held by the Battle Creek Community Foundation to support the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center over six years, drawing roughly $400,000 annually to offset operational shortfalls.
A staff presenter said the foundation has a fund balance earmarked for the math and science center of about $6.6 million and recommended $2.75 million be used gradually over six years to address gaps caused by receiving only 0.49 FTE per participating student and by aging science kits. "Recommendation is that 400,000 annually from that $2,700,000 over a 6 year period will offset the operational shortfalls," the presenter said.
A trustee offered a correction noting the program receives 0.49 FTE and students attend for a half day; staff clarified that participating districts lease kits and that the math and science center runs programming beyond the half-day attendance. Trustees asked whether the other 16 participating districts could contribute more; staff said members pay lease fees for kits but that a funding gap persists as costs and staff specialization increase.
Staff said funds would also be available for upcoming projects such as HVAC work and the plan would be reevaluated annually to reduce the draw if revenue improves. The transcript captures the recommendation and Q&A; there is no recorded board vote in the excerpt provided.
If approved, staff said the phased approach aims to preserve investment returns while meeting program needs and avoid drawing down district operating funds.
