Over the course of four budget work sessions, the FSSD Board of Education tackled very difficult issues of funding while understanding that several schools have critical infrastructure needs. Very purposeful discussion and problem solving yielded the unavoidable need to raise taxes to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers and staff. The Board of Education passed a $45 million budget on July 20, 2015, which included a 7.66 cent tax increase. In the General Purpose budget, there was significant discussion related to the development of a budget which provided a balance of revenue and expenditures while preserving all the educational programs that are in place as we continue to focus on educating the whole child.
One of the biggest decisions the Board made was to make some much needed infrastructure repairs at a number of schools.
Repairs include: restroom renovation, exterior repairs an basement renovations at Franklin Elementary and roof repair at Poplar Grove and Freedom Middle.
Other highlights from the Board meeting include:
-2% cost of living increase for employees.
-the Board will increase revenue significantly to meet this year’s debt service payment of $6,342,220. With the current favorable bond market, the School Board was in a position to set a tax rate that will not only meet the increased bond payment for the current year but also secure the needed $12 million in revenue to address the infrastructure needs.
Get more details from the FSSD Board meeting here.
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