Hallsville school officials working to finalize 2016-2017 budget

The Hallsville School District has until June 30 to decide how about $460,000 will be cut from next school year’s budget.

Superintendent John Downs said one of the biggest cuts is to faculty/staff pay and benefits.

Right now in the proposed budget, 4.75 full time positions are listed as a reduced expenditure, saving the district about $217,203 dollars. The district will also increase its employee health insurance premiums by $31.

Downs said no teachers were let go during the budget drafting process. He said some decided to retire or leave for other positions.

“I think most everyone understands that we’re doing the best that we can in a difficult situation,” he said. “Nobody’s happy about making budget reductions. Myself, the board, our employees, the parents and the community aren’t happy about it, but they understand it needs to be done.”

About a month ago, the district put a survey on its website and social media pages asking community members to rank what was most important to them in the budget process.

According to Marci Minor, Director of Communications, survey results show “high quality teachers and staff” are their top concern for the school district.

In February, the Board of Education held a public hearing for parents to voice their concerns about a preliminary reduction list.

Many expressed concerns about the district moving the PRIDE Academy back on to school grounds, rather than paying to rent space in a separate location. PRIDE is a program for students who are at risk for dropping out for various reasons. Officials said moving the program back on campus would save the district about $10,000 in rental fees, which is still on the proposed budget.

The proposed budget also includes more than $43,000 in cuts to athletics and activities.

Both the girls and boys golf programs have been suspended for the 2016-2017 school year. The high school football team will also not have an assistant coach.

After the cuts, the district is projecting a surplus of about $250,000 for the 2016-2017 school year. However, Hallsville’s financial advisor is forecasting a spending deficit again by the 2019-2020 school year.

Downs said costs like insurance and utilities tend to increase each year, which may cause spending to outpace the district’s revenues.

“So our goal is before that time arrives to make either further reductions in expenditures or increase revenues so that doesn’t happen,” he said.

The superintendent said they’re looking at creating an alumni donation fund as well as increasing advertising.

Downs said implementing a property tax could be possible for the future as a way to generate funds. The district decided not to put the issue on the April 2016 ballot.

“Our school district has a reputation of being outstanding. We are very committed to continuing with that. The budget is our number one priority right now and making sure we get to a healthy financial position.”

The Board of Education will vote on a final budget at its meeting on June 30.