Subhead:
Editor
Gary W. Meyer
Mark Hedstrom, Board Chair
Big Lake Schools officials will be dealing with a revised set of formulas to determine future student enrollment when they meet to make budget projections for the 2016-17 school year.
That was the foremost discussion as they met Thursday evening in workshop session, following conclusion of a one-hour re-organizational meeting.
The district is in declining enrollment, due to a number of factors, most notably fewer families moving in, stemming from the recent Depression.
How to weight those criteria to more accurately project future enrollment was shared by Angie Manuel, district finance manager.
More specifics on the formulas will be shared at upcoming meetings. It is expected the board will begin laying parameters to their new budget in March.
The district is in reasonably good shape financially, given their successful excess levy referendum which will boost local student aid by $475. But it won’t be the panacea to future student losses.
From the 2011-12 school year through 2016, the student population has dropped from 3,493 to 3,177. Student losses ranging from .4% to 2% over the next five years could drop that enrollment to 2,995, she reported.
How it will impact on teaching positions and curriculum will be up for future consideration. Supt. Steve Westerberg said he would have current class enrollments, teachers involved and curriculum issues available for discussion at their next meeting.
In re-organizational business, Boardmember Mark Hedstrom was elected chair, with Tonya Reasoner as clerk and Amber Sixberry as treasurer.
The board will continue to meet the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Independence School, with workshops and special meetings the second Thursday.
KleinBank and other banks were elected official depositories and The Tribune as official newspaper.
The board opted for a raise for themselves to $60 per meeting and $100 for meetings going over four hours. Stipends of $600 for the board chair and $400 for the clerk, the same as last year, were approved.
Section:
