Sumner Schools 2013-14 PROPOSED Budget

Last night, Director of Schools Del Phillips unveiled his budget proposal for 2013-14.  The budget was unveiled in a presentation to the Board and members of the public who wished to attend.  The event was dubbed a workshop and allowed for a Q&A session before the formal vote on the proposal scheduled for Tuesday, May 21st. 

Here are the highlights:

The budget will require NO NEW REVENUE from the County Commission in order to be fully funded. 

This is for several reasons:  local sales tax revenues are up, increasing the money available for schools, the state BEP allocation was higher than normal, the state allocated SOME money for purchase/upgrade of technology, and the Administration has been conservatively managing existing resources. 

It's worth noting that the budget is NOT the "ideal Sumner Schools budget" and there are still gaps in technology, teaching positions, salaries, etc.  BUT, the budget adds 11 new teachers (long overdue) and increases allocation to technology beyond the state allocation.  It also includes a pay range adjustment for bookkeepers which will mean an average increase in pay of about 50 cents an hour for the system's bookkeepers. 

Other jobs will need range adjustments going forward.

All employees are slated to receive a 1% raise.  Again, not enough ... but a forward step after many years in which there were no raises at all.

The budget does ask the County Commission to cover roughly $3.4 million in capital costs, including the purchase of buses and textbooks. 

If dollars are appropriated wisely, there should be no need for a tax increase to fund this budget. 

Certainly, future years should see proposals that will ask for additional funds to move the schools from an "adequate" budget to one that no longer includes student fees for basic course materials, excessive fundraising to pay for essential supplies, and a lack of access to technology.  This budget takes a small first step in that direction. 

Tune in May 21st for the Board's vote and then watch the County Commission process starting in June to see if this basic, sound budget passes OR if there's yet another budget battle.