BL administrators won’t see pay increase in 2010-11

LISBON - Revenues were higher than expenditures for the Beaver Local School District last month, and finances are slowly climbing out of the hole, but some areas remain financially insecure.

Treasurer Robert Barrett presented the February financial report during regular meeting Monday. The report indicated revenue boosting the district out of the red could be attributed to $500,000 coming in from the sale of notes and little more than $12,000 from open enrollment.

However, expenditures were also up for the district. Compared to January, personnel services were up $356,974 and supplies and materials were up $59,370.

Barrett attributed the increases to severance and bill payments and the fact that the district hasn't received tax collections. Nevertheless, the district was in the black for the month with an ending cash balance of $578,833.

To continue saving the district money the board passed a motion Monday to enact a three percent wage freeze for administrative/confidential employees for the 2010-11 school year. According to Barrett the wage freeze is estimated to save $23,000 in salaries over the next 12 months.

The board also approved not renewing an administrative employee contract for Food Service Supervisor Barbara Decker.

Another area in which the district made an attempt to save money was through choosing the least expensive mowing company to cut grass at each building and athletic fields.

After some discussion, the board approved awarding mowing quotes to D.P. Lawn Care at an average of $80 per cut. Other lawn care services were advertised at or above $100 per cut.

Despite cost-saving efforts, deficits are still looming over the district. During reports to the board Brian McKenzie pointed out that the food service department is facing a $100,000 deficit.

McKenzie added that parents of district students who qualify need to apply for free and reduced lunches. He added that if the amount of students qualifying for free and reduced lunches increases then the district has a better chance of receiving grants.

"It is imperative...we have to get people to apply for these free and reduced lunches. A lot of things balance off of that number," he said.

Barrett agreed. "Some of our federal grants are tied to that number," he said.

McKenzie also mentioned the fact that government entities awarding grants consider district poverty rates. Currently the government poverty rate to qualify is around 20 percent, he said, adding that the current poverty rate for the district is 14 percent.

The district was also hoping to be awarded a grant for heaters to be installed on buses. Unfortunately, the grant was turned down, Transportation Supervisor Jaye Cochran announced.

"There were (nearly) 340 requests through area schools for that...but if money becomes available at a later day, they will consider it," Cochran said.

Other motions approved included:

- Renewing contracts for Elaine Granato, special programs coordinator; Theresa Becki, head executive secretary; Connie Shive, assistant middle school principal; James Lyons, assistant high school principal; and Thomas Sapp, middle school principal.

-Abbie Bardon and Ann Boso as Calcutta Elementary after-school detention monitors for 2009-10 school year.

- A supplemental contract for the 2010-11 school year for Athletic Director Eric Lowe.

- Keith Clark as the operator of record for Rogers Elementary School (class A) water system for the period July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011 at a rate of $200.00 per month.

- Receiving a donation from the East Liverpool American Legion in the amount of $26.61 to be used for athletic programs.

- Advertising for insurance coverage for 2010-11 for Building and Contents (including Boiler coverage) insurance, Liability and Fleet insurance with an option for three years.

- An agreement with GAR Technical Solutions LLC for computer warranty and maintenance services at a cost of $120.00 per year, effective Feb. 15, 2010 until June 30, 2011.