Board approves Calhoun County school budget after presentation of revenues, reserves and capital needs

Chair opened the meeting and turned the floor over to Mister Godwin for a condensed second budget hearing. Godwin said the district expects to "start out the year right at $43,000,000 in our general fund" and projected total inflows of about $117,000,000 while noting projected expenditures that include roughly $105,000,000 in general fund uses.

Godwin outlined major revenue sources and pressures: the state foundation program is the largest revenue source (about $72,000,000), federal and local funds contribute the remainder, and the district expects local revenues of roughly $24,000,000 that the board controls. He cautioned that enrollment decreases reduce state funding tied to student counts and noted rising insurance and fringe costs that the board must fund. "We're spending more money in what we're taking in," Godwin said, warning the board will draw on reserves for some capital and technology projects.

The board discussed specifics including targeted allocations for transportation, school nurses and the advancement-in-technology funds and asked clarifying questions about district-level local paid certified units (gifted programming and a districtwide project-search program at RMC). After discussion, a board member moved to approve the budget; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The chair declared the motion carried and the budget approved.

The approved plan includes capital outlay and technology allocations the presenter said will fund projects such as Pleasant Valley athletic upgrades and White Plains work; the presenter also flagged a $2.5 million bus budget to replace 12–14 buses and the limits of state fleet-replacement grants. The board did not amend the budget during the hearing and approved the presented document.