Lincoln School Board Discusses Budget

— Lincoln School Board discussed the district’s 2016-17 budget last week but decided to hold off on approving it until the September meeting.

The school budget shows the district expects to receive $12.8 million in revenues and projects $12.6 million in expenditures.

Superintendent Mary Ann Spears said projected revenues are down by $1 million, compared to 2015-16, but the bulk of that decline is because several grant programs expired last year and the school is not receiving any state money for facilities this year.

Board member Dax Moreton had several questions about the budget and said he would like to review it before the next meeting.

The proposed budget shows the school would receive $ 6.2 million from state foundation aid, $2.8 million from property taxes, about $ 900,000 from the National School Lunch fund and $368,000 from Title 1 funds.

Expenditures include $4.6 million for total teacher and administration salaries, $4.9 million for the operation fund and $805,000 for debt service.

Building principals all gave good reports on their open house nights.

Courtney Jones, high school principal, said the school had about 400 students and parents attend open house and she said she was pleased with the turnout.

Michelle Price, middle school principal, said the school provided a hot dog supper for parents and students. This year, the middle school will have a flexible schedule for sixthand seventh- graders and will begin an advisory time for students with 10 students assigned to one teacher to discuss topics such as careers and goal setting.

Jill Jackson, the elementary school’s new principal, said she had a fun, productive week with her teachers and a good turnout for open house.

Spears reported she is proposing a lighting audit on several buildings to see how the district can save money on electricity. The audit will include the middle school and administrative buildings, several gyms, wellness center and field house. One estimate is that the audit would cost $200,000. Spears recommended financing the cost short-term for 10 years at a 3-percent interest rate.

It’s possible the school could save $47,000 in annual electric costs, Spears said, noting the district pays about $20,000 per month for electricity.

She said she would provide final information about a lighting audit in September.

In other action Aug. 15, school board members approved hiring the following teachers: Nicole Avitts, kindergarten; Jeff Boyett, high school math; Andrew Enis, band; Eric Mongold and Lauren Merritt, both high school English; Mark Scates, high school debate/ alternative learning environment.

They also approved two resolutions to transfer money: $375,925 to the building fund and $92,312 to bond savings fund.

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER University of the Ozarks in Clarksville brought its 2016-17 freshman class, about 260 students, to Cane Hill last week to learn about the origins of their school. Cane Hill was home to one of the first colleges in Arkansas. Cane Hill College closed in...