STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade 46-1 School Board met for their November meeting Monday night, and got some good news in the General Fund as it pertains to the State Aid Formula.
Superintendent Jeff Simmons says a 90-student rise in enrollment will equate to additional $500,000 for the district.
“We’re looking at about a $500,000 bump in revenue, which is great, because we had a $500,000 deficit,” Simmons told KBHB Radio Tuesday morning.
“So, the good news is, the cup’s half full, we balanced our budget. So we are going into this school year with a balanced budget of $50,000 in the black.”
Simmons says this is also good news in the current redistricting talks. Some rural residents have been worried about the future of their schools, and talk about splitting away from the district have been plentiful.
Simmons hopes they can work together to find solutions.
“You know the deficit was one reason we are seeing concerns, and having to reduce our expenses leads to concern about closing schools, including in the rural areas. Our intent has always been to keep schools open. So, with a balanced budget, I hope we can focus on coming together and work towards what is best for our children.”
Related, the board also discussed its RIF policy, or reduction in force, Monday night.
Simmons says with a balanced budget, they need to focus on finding revenue to put teachers back into some high need, non-instructional areas.
The board also held a roundtable discussion with area legislators Monday night to express their thoughts and concerns about the upcoming legislative session.
