During their last regular meeting, the Oxford Schools board of education approved a balanced 2003-2004 school year budget that includes almost $1.5 million in cuts.
Assistant Superintendent Ron Franey presented the board with a slimmed down list that included $31,649,301 in expenditures, a reduction compared to last year’s $32,200,953. For the upcoming school year, the district has allotted $1,675,511 for students, $1,426,171 for instructional staff, $336,886 for general administration or the board of education, $1,936,316 for school administration, $5,680,929 for business and $1,063,794 for central/human resource.
The 2003-2004 budget did see an increase in local revenue to $4,142,000 from $3,900,000, but the amount did not offset other losses. From the state the district loss just over $400,000 to receive $24,667,323; the federal government is set at $1,060,373; and other revenue sources have been figured at $1,830,000. The State Aid Foundation was set at $6,958 per student. A total revenue of $35,178,336 has been projected, down from last year’s $35,679,593.
‘In the general fund, we did make all the cuts we discussed earlier,? Franey informed board members. ‘All of them were needed to reach this point.?
Just a few of the budget cuts for the year included laying off five paraprofessionals, reducing several personnel positions in hours, cutting back on travel expenses and field trip allotments, and initiating a ‘medical fee? in the athletic department. Also, a custodial position may still be eliminated, but is currently listed as permanent substitute.
When looking over the general fund budget, Franey said that salaries, fringe benefits such as health insurance, and utilities were the largest increases in expenditures.
Currently, the district is still negotiating rates with gas and electric companies. Franey was told though by school representatives to expect at least a 10 percent increase in rates.
The next highest increase was seen in health insurance and retirement benefits. According to Franey, the district was told to expect a 12 percent increase for MESSA insurance and an 18 percent increase for Blue Cross. This category accounts for 25 percent of the district’s budget.
Salaries comprised the largest expenditure increase for the year. Franey explained to board members that when forming the budget, all salaries were projected at a rate freeze with full increases for steps and schedules. Still, the amount increased by more than $500,000.
Salaries account for 61 percent of the district’s budget.
‘So combined 86 percent of our budget is people,? said Franey, ‘And as we keep saying year after year, that number keeps going up.?
The district is currently negotiating contracts with the teacher’s union, administrators and central office staff. Franey said final numbers will not be available for some time.
The athletic fund has been projected to have $611,687 in revenue available, down from $641,387. The local contribution to the fund went up from last year’s $55,600 to $77,900. The fund is looking at breaking even with expenditures which include salaries, purchased services, supplies and employee benefits.
The cafeteria fund is set to have $909,947 in revenue available. Current expenditures are set at $848,200 giving the account an estimated fund balance of $61,747.
Franey informed board members that the budget is not the final approved numbers for the year. The board will make any necessary adjustments throughout the school year and district administrators will be keeping both eyes open for any possible cuts from the state or federal levels.
‘If they can’t balance their budget, I’m sure they’ll come this way again,? concluded Franey.