Jackson School Board passes budget, salary schedule

The Jackson School Board approved the 2013-2014 budget and certified salary schedule Tuesday night.

The budget includes $43.5 million in overall anticipated revenue, with estimated expenses of $59.6 million. The latter figure includes funds for the new elementary school building on North Lacey Street, paid through bonds.

District chief financial officer Wade Bartel said the budget started with $5,441,053 and is expected to end with $5,430,920.

"If you had to label the budget, this is about as balanced a budget as you could get," Bartel said.

The largest cost is a new elementary school, which is $16 million. Bartel said energy is another big focus. Schools are using the best technology to conserve as much energy as possible throughout the district.

Another big factor is continuing to invest in technology.

The board also approved next year's certified salary schedule. The base was raised to $33,000 from last year's $32,600, about a 1 percent increase.

Superintendent Ron Anderson said raises could range from 2 percent to about 4.5 percent.

"This is the best increase it's been in the last three years," Anderson said.

Hinke questioned the school-sponsored athletics expenditure, which was raised about 20 percent. This will go toward paying for Bermuda grass for the football field.

Bartel said it's a new form that is thicker and stronger. Associate superintendent Jeff Bollinger said the grass is supposed to be more hardy and last longer.

"We have a tremendous amount of use on that field -- for band, for activities and football, of course," Bartel said. "Seventh grade on up plays on that field, so making sure that we have a good stand there is really important."

The board also passed a 10-cent raise on lunch prices and a 10-cent increase on milk, bringing it to 50 cents a carton. Secondary lunches will increase to $2.70, and the elementary lunches will rise to $2.45.

Bartel said there hadn't been a significant change in several years to lunch prices, but with food prices rising, it's necessary.

Brad Noel, a parent and member of Heartland Citizens for Educational Awareness, voiced concern during public comment about a principal's name being allowed on a PTO's checking account.

He cited board policy and stated the organization is private and not directly controlled by the district. He said this seems as if the district is connected with the money and taking responsibility for it.

botto@semissourian.com