About $6.5 million is left over from a 2003 school bond issue, but that money can’t be used to fix Clarkston Community Schools? financial troubles.
By law, the $83.7 million borrowed from the state, along with $4.5 million earned in interest, must be used for capital improvements, such as building projects. It cannot be used for operating expenses, such as teachers? salaries.
‘The money must be kept in a fund separate from the operational budget,? said Bruce Beamer, executive director of business services, at the March 26 Board of Education meeting.
‘They’re a completely different set of dollars than in operational budget,? said Stephen Hyer, school board president.
The $78 million operational budget is expected to be about $4 million in deficit this upcoming year. Budget cuts and withdrawing of about a third of district fund equity, dropping it to about $8 million this year, should balance the budget within two years, officials said.
Four years after Clarkston area voters approved the bond issue, all projects have been completed on time and under budget, Hyer said, including:
? Pine Knob Elementary: Six classrooms, technology, furniture, playground, paving and irrigation.
? Sashabaw Middle School: 24 classrooms; separate bus loop, staff parking; expanded cafetorium, specialized classrooms for art, music, computer labs, science; technology and furniture.
? Clarkston Junior High: Expansion and improvements to auditorium, gym, cafeteria; parking, irrigation and site improvements.
? Community Education Center/Renaissance High School: Eight classrooms; renovate and remodel west side of building; selective demolition of a portion of east side of building; technology upgrades; parking and site improvements.
? Administrative Building and Early Childhood Center: Addition to serve all district preschool programs; space for full-day kindergarten; additional workstations for special services staff; expanded parking.
School administration will compile a list of capital needs for consideration by the board before the end of the school year, said Superintendent Al Roberts.
Needs identified so far include about $600,000 in technology upgrades, for new computers and other hardware. Other needs will include projects such as repairs to school safety paths, resurfacing of tennis courts, and repairs to the bus garage.
‘Safety will be the priority,? Roberts said.
The district expects to have the debt paid by 2029. The leftover $6.5 million could be applied to the debt, which would shorten the payoff time but only by less than a year, Beamer said.
‘It wouldn’t make a significant difference,? Hyer said.