Seaford trustees review finances; approve alternative deduction plan and facility request

At the Dec. 16 Seaford School District Board of Education meeting, district finance staff reported that expenditures and revenues are generally on track for the fiscal year and the board approved an alternative deduction plan and a facility rental requested for January 2025.

Finance staff (identified in the meeting as Patrick) told the board operating expenses were within reasonable limits for the fiscal year and noted some encumbrances and ongoing coding work to move items into proper accounts. Patrick said the district’s expenditures were around 43.97% of the year while revenues were roughly 80.8% of the anticipated total for the year; he said certain items remain to be finalized in January.

On tax collections, staff noted a roughly $1 million collection period and that state credits for senior and disabled‑veteran property tax relief increased total receipts by about $140,000 as recorded in the meeting.

As an action item, the board approved an alternative deduction plan tied to the state budget provision discussed in the meeting as “SB 3205’s alternative deduction plan.” District staff explained that the plan uses a portion of unfilled positions (units) to absorb the deduction so other program areas do not take a proportional hit. Staff said the district will submit the plan to the Office of Management and Budget and the Delaware Department of Education by the end of the month.

The board also approved a facilities request for a Canon E3 youth conference scheduled Jan. 18, 2025, with set‑up at 7 a.m., activities in the auditorium and cafeteria, and an anticipated attendance of 99 people. The motion to approve the facilities request was moved in the meeting by Marcus and seconded by Jeff (as recorded); the voice vote carried.

The meeting record also shows the board moved into executive session later in the meeting; the motion carried by voice vote.