PGISD to spend $350K on books, computers, software

Pleasant Grove Independent School District trustees voted Thursday night to spend more than $350,000 on math and science textbooks, computers and software.

The board had a choice to spend $261,211 for the necessities or go the extra mile to purchase Google Chromebooks for every high school and middle school math and science classroom, making the total expenditure $351,318.

Textbooks for elementary and intermediate students and calculators and workbooks for some grades are included in the cost.

The board debated at some length before opting to purchase Chromebooks for all science and math classrooms. Trustees had the option to purchase fewer, but the computers would have to be shared between classrooms.

The McGraw-Hill Education applications for the new computers can also be accessed by students and teachers outside the classrooms via the Internet.

In other business, the board reviewed a preliminary operating budget for 2014-15. Kathaleen Sanders, finance director, noted the information provided at this meeting is based on estimated property values because Bowie Central Appraisal District won’t have the certified values until July 25.

PGISD’s property values are estimated to be $879,056,883.

The district has enjoyed hefty property value increases from year to year, but the increase in the coming year is comparatively modest.

Sanders noted total property values increased more than $13 million from 2011 to 2012; more than $22 million from 2012 to 2013; and $8.9 million last year. This year’s increase is estimated to be $1.7 million.

The budget draft for 2014-15 shows total estimated revenues from local taxes and state funds to be $14,901,898, an increase of $115,488 over the 2013-14 budget of $14,786,299.

Estimated expenditures for next year are $15,246,615, up $314,695 from 2013-14’s $14,931,920 operating expenses.

With the current, preliminary numbers, the district will operate at a loss of $314,695. Its beginning fund balance of $3.9 million can cover the loss.

The budget does not include raises for teachers and staff, but reflects almost $90,000 more in estimated costs for transportation, substitute teacher pay and co-curricular insurance/travel.

Trustees also approved a measure to allow First Southwest Securities to seek lower interest rates for PG’s 2007 Series Bonds. Jeff Robert of Dallas said the district could save $850,000 or more over the next 16 years if it refinances, depending on the interest rate secured at the time it’s refinanced.