Cape school board will meet Monday to OK reduced budget

The Cape Girardeau School District will reduce its operating budget by nearly $3 million as it works toward a balanced budget in the face of state cuts.

The school board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday to approve the $41 million operating budget, which includes a reduction of staff, salary freezes and stipend changes.

The biggest reductions come in $2.4 million in reductions to personnel and capital expenses, said Misty Clifton, director of finance. With the elimination of 26 positions, mostly through attrition, the district cut $1.01 million from the budget.

School districts statewide are preparing for a 4 percent cut in formula funding, the biggest source of state aid. For Cape Girardeau, that amounts to a $269,008 reduction in what the district was supposed to receive under the phased-in formula. The district is slated to receive $6.46 million.

The school district budgeted a 29 percent cut in state transportation funding, a reduction of about $190,000. The district saved money by making changes to its stipend system, which compensates teachers for extra duties. Thirty stipends were eliminated. Purchased services and supply budgets were also reduced by 10 percent for each building.

During the May meeting, the board froze salaries but allowed horizontal movement for teachers who received graduate credit.

Last year, the board approved staff salary increases months before using reserve funds to balance the budget. The move prompted criticism from board members and promises from the administration to balance the budget without using reserves.

The administration held forums in November to update staff on the budgeting process and regularly updated the board throughout the year.

The board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at district administrative offices, 301 N. Clark Ave.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark St. Cape Girardeau, MO