Jackson School Board OKs budget for next school year

The Jackson School District's $42.5 million budget for next year includes nearly $1.5 million in stimulus funds.

The school board approved the budget at its meeting Tuesday. Wade Bartels, the district's chief financial officer said the stimulus funds will be used to expand preschool programs, professional development opportunities and a technology initiative.

"We were opportunistic with the money," Bartels said. The district has two years to spend $1,486,219 in stimulus funds.

The district will expand its preschool program, which is housed at South Elementary School. The program, which has a waiting list, will include 75 more students, said superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson.

The school will add temporary space to accommodate the student increase. Three teachers will also be hired, Anderson said. Bartels said the program will be self-sustaining after the initial expansion.

A technology program aimed at building independence for students with disabilities will be expanded throughout the district, said Dr. Beth Emmendorfer, associate superintendent.

The program, which started at the high school this year, includes learning software and laptops. Emmendorfer said the software will be distributed throughout the district. Laptops will be added at the high school, middle school and junior high school.

To meet criteria for using the money, she said, she evaluated the programs that were already in place and could be expanded.

"This is the one we thought would be tremendously effective," she said.

Bartels said stimulus funds were not used to make up for declining revenue.

The district's utility costs will increase by 10 percent because of additional square footage of facilities, he said. Sales tax revenue and earnings on investments also decreased.

"What we really stressed this year was prioritizing things," he said.

The board also approved breakfast and lunch prices for the upcoming school year. Lunch prices will remain $2.25 for elementary students and $2.50 for secondary students. Last year prices increased 50 cents for meals.

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