JACKSON BOARD OKs SCHOOL BUDGET

JACKSON -- The Jackson R-II School District will operate within a $16 million budget for the 1995-96 year, reflecting a $1 million increase in salaries and related personnel expenses over last year.

It was the first budget for Jackson schools prepared by Dr. Howard Jones, superintendent, and Stan Smee, business manager, who both took their positions at the beginning of the school year.

They explained the increase in salary expenses by citing the district's jump in enrollment -- up to more than 4,000 students. The jump meant more teachers, custodians, bus drivers and cooks.

Fifty percent of school revenue will come from local sources, 40 percent from the state and the rest from Cape Girardeau County, the federal government and tuition from Nell Holcomb School.

The budget shows an ending balance on June 30, 1996, of $3.7 million.

"This is not just a dollars and cents issue," Jones said. "The budget is connected to the goals, objectives and priorities of the district in providing a quality education for students."

Smee and Jones plan to have an extensive narrative explaining each budget item next year. That way, Jones said, the school board and any district patrons immediately could see how the district's money was being spent.

"I feel we should be completely open and accountable," he said.

In other action, the school board officially endorsed the proposed merger of Riverside Regional Library and Jackson Public Library. The issue will be on the Nov. 7 ballot and everyone in both districts will vote.

If it passes, a new, $1.5 million library building will be constructed, probably in Jackson City Park.

According to the resolution, board members support the merger because they are "advocates for our students and for learning in general."

JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD

Action

Tuesday, Oct. 24

7:30 p.m.

A. Adopted professional development plan for 1995-96.

B. Adopted 1995-96 budget.

C. PassedConsider resolution supporting library merger.

D. Passed agreement to continue legal services with Steve Wright.

E. Passed agreement with New McKendree United Methodist Church for use of facilities by child development classes.

F. Accepted Jeremiah Jamieson's bid of $58,927 for Burfordville School property.

G. Reviewed proposed Missouri performance standards.