Lunenburg schools report enrollment gain but warn of state funding cuts; pursue energy grant and capital work
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Assistant Superintendent James Abernathy told the Board enrollment rose to 1,508 students. He said elimination of the state grocery tax could reduce school funding by $124,950 this year and $308,713 in FY2024; the division is pursuing a $6 million energy grant (5% local match ~ $300,000) and plans a $1.4 million Central High School renovation.
Assistant School Superintendent James Abernathy updated the Board on enrollment, projected funding cuts, and capital and grant plans at the March 9 meeting.
Abernathy said enrollment increased by 17 students, raising total enrollment to 1,508. He reported that the state’s elimination of the grocery tax will reduce state funding for the school division by an estimated $124,950 for the current fiscal year and $308,713 for FY2024. Abernathy said the State is expected to supplement the current year’s reduction through other funding sources but that more details are expected in April.
On capital needs, Abernathy outlined plans for a roughly $1.4 million construction project at Central High School to renovate bathrooms and update plumbing in the nearly 60-year-old system; staff ran a camera through pipes to identify repair needs. He said the division is advancing through the first round of a $6 million energy grant opportunity; the second part of the application is due April 21, 2023, and requires a five percent local match (about $300,000). Abernathy said two supplemental appropriations tied to state grants will be presented at the next Board meeting and that vacancy savings will be used to help cover an expected roughly $300,000 shortfall linked to ADM declines.