Dieterich School Board Discusses Funding Options

Like every school district in downstate, the Dieterich School Board is considering its options for boosting revenues and watching expenses.

The Board took time at Monday night's meeting to discuss the results of the March election vote on increasing the county sales tax, and whether to raise the issue again.  Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson said the Board would like to make the public aware of the benefits of the 1% tax, but made no decision regarding future elections.

Jackson updated the Board on Senate Bill 16, which would amend the school funding formula.  The measure would take into consideration the poverty rate and local property values as factors involved in figuring state aid.  Jackson said that if the bill passed and the changes to the formula were enacted, Dieterich schools would see an additional $100,000 per year in state aid.

The Board was also given budget projections that showed, based on the information available to the District at this time, the 2013-14 deficit could be about $240,000, and that the deficit could grow to $300,000 in the next two years.  The estimations were made based on current funding levels.

Jackson also told Board members that the District received a school safety grant of more than $11,000.  The money will be used to increase security at the school building.  Protective window film, an additional security entrance, and upgrades to the security camera system and communication system are a few items to be addressed.

Also Monday, the Dieterich board endorsed handbook changes presented by building principals Kathy Pattenaude and Kevin Haarmann, reviewed an amended budget for the current fiscal year, moved the June meeting date to June 17 to allow the amended budget to be on display for 30 days prior to a vote on the measure, and approved next year's fee schedule including recommendations for changes in certain areas.

Board members heard from Laura Weber of GRP about an energy audit that led to changes in the Dieterich district that have resulted in $8,800 in savings the first year.  The Board also discussed a proposal from the Village of Dieterich for park improvements.  The Village has proposed work to eliminate drainage issues, as well as adding handicap accessible sidewalks in the park.  After much discussion, the Board tabled the matter until the June meeting in hopes they can get more information about the project in the meantime.

The Board got a good report from Haarmann about the senior class trip to Branson last month; and approved a new vacation schedule for all 12-month non-certified employees.  The schedule at Dieterich now is: after one year=5 days, from two to 10 years=10 days, from 11 to 24 years=15 days, and after 25 years=20 days.

Jackson reminded the Board that the Dieterich Community Education Foundation Golf Outing is set for June 7 at Meadowview Golf Course south of Mattoon.