FISCAL UPDATE POSITIVE; JACKSON SCHOOL BUDGET ON TARGET

JACKSON -- The Jackson School Board got a positive update on the current school budget Tuesday. The board also set the date for senior baccalaureate and commencement services and bid farewell to its senior board member, John Lorberg.

In a time when good financial news is scarce, Business Manager Howard Alexander reported the district will end the financial year June 30 at nearly projected levels.

"We are now within $2,000 of where we projected we would be at this time last year," he said. "And with an $11 million budget, that's pretty close."

Alexander estimated the district will wind up with about $2,000 more than projected. "I feel very good about the fact that everyone in the district has worked hard to keep expenditures at budgeted levels. As a result, we're coming out at the end of the year with a positive."

But the outlook for the 1992-93 outlook is not so optimistic, he said.

"If everything stays the same next year receipts and expenditures we will have to transfer $341,000 from the general fund to the special fund to make the special fund balance out at the zero level by June 30, 1993," he explained. "I think that kind of emphasizes the need for what we're asking the voters to look at on April 7."

Commenting on the 35-cent levy increase, Superintendent Wayne Maupin didn't mince any words. "I want to emphasize, reiterate, get emotional, whatever; this really does focus in on the essential, absolute necessity of passage of that tax levy increase," he said.

"Right now, there is no mechanism in place to generate the $341,000, other than coming up here next year at this time and again transferring more money out of the general fund. But if we transfer another $341,000 out of the general fund next year, it will get close to wiping out the balance in that fund, and then we'll be at the point of having two major funds ... one, the special fund down to a zero balance, and the other (general) fund, on its way down to a zero balance."

Maupin said the 35-cent increase will generate approximately $410,000, which would cover the projected deficit in the special fund next year and get the fund to a break-even point.

"If we can get the levy increase, and hopefully some additional state money, we can avoid having to transfer, or steal, money from the general fund," he said. "We must make this very clear to the voters. If the levy passes, we can avoid what I consider a darn near financial crisis in the school district."

When Lorberg asked what would happen if the levy failed, Maupin replied, "If it fails, all of you on the board will have a big part in making some decisions."

Maupin said the district could ride out a levy defeat for another year, but by then, the district would be in such a deep financial hole that it would be very difficult to climb out. "If the levy is approved and we continue to tighten our belts, we can make it," he said.

Maupin noted the Jackson Chamber of Commerce voted Monday to endorse the increase in the tax levy.

The board set this year's baccalaureate and commencement program for Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m. If the weather is good, it will be held in the high school stadium.

In a final piece of business, Maupin paid tribute to Lorberg, who is retiring after serving 13 years. "He has served the district with honor and distinction during those many years," said Maupin. "On behalf of the school community, your presence has had a positive influence on this school district. You will be missed but not forgotten."