The Puxico School Board approved the district budget for the 2022/23 school year at its September meeting.
Superintendent Cindy Crabb presented the budget that was laid out during special budget work sessions by the board. The proposed revenue total is $8,155,284 compared to the the 2021/22 total of $9,140,979.59. Crabb said the proposed revenue total does not include the bond proceeds or all of the district’s ESSER III funds.
The proposed expenses are $9,142,636.10 compared to the 2021/22 expenses of $8,696,591.58. An increase in the capitol projects fund is the big reason for this increase. The board projected a total of $1,540,558.45 compared to the 2021/22 total of $423,752.11. Upcoming projects in the district account for the higher projection.
Career Education and Food Service Program Evaluations
The board reviewed and approved the Career Education and Food Program evaluations. The Career Education Program is used by the district to maintain and enhance high academic standards, rigor and expectations to prepare students for college and careers.
The district uses committee reports, achievement test scores, core data, CTE enrollment, CTSO Rosters and IRC/TSA Scores. The district also follows up with graduates to see if they are still following the plans they set in place for post graduation.
The Food Service Program served an average of 1,147 meals per day in the 2021/22 school year. That broke down to an average of 505 breakfasts per day and 642 lunches per day. The board was also told that the USDA waivers were not extended to the 2022/23 school year. The district is returning to serving free, reduced price and paid meals. Crabb said with the return of paid meals the district had a drop in participation. Currently the food service program is serving an average of 397 breakfasts and 342 lunches.
Board Policy Updates
The board approved the update several board polices required by the state.
School board elections, nepotism, conflict of interest and financial disclosure, meetings- participation by public, school year and school day, shared superintendent, admission and tuition- non-resident students, dual credit and dual enrollment scholarships, corporal punishment, student suicide awareness, epilepsy/seizure disorder, certificated staff contracts, substitute teacher employment, career ladders, staff conduct, classroom postings and displays, student transportation services, state mandated curriculum- mental health awareness, removal of lead from water supplies, computer science class, virtual education, reading success, blind students independence, training and education and underperforming test scores.
Upcoming Projects
The board agreed to collect bids on multiple projects on campus. The first is the roof on the fifth grade portion of the elementary building. Crabb said this was not done along with the previous roofing project due to the type of shingles on the fifth grade portion. The bids collected will be for the cost of a metal roof.
The second is for split air conditioner untis for the junior high building. Crabb said during a walk through it was noticed that the current units were fairly loud. The new units will be more efficient and the reduced noise will not be as distracting to students.
The next set of bids will be for a freezer and cooler unit in the kitchen. The current unit requires frequent work. The new unit will be paid for with overage funds from the food program.
The next project will replace batting cages and foul poles at the ball field. Additionally new clay will be spread at the pitchers mound, home plate and around the bases.
The next project is for renovations to the Special Education Bu8ilding. An additional filing room will be added to store records that are required by law to be kept. New siding and revamp of the entrance which will include the addition of a handicap accessible ramp will be done. Bonding and ESSER funds may be used for this project.
The final bids will be for a new digital sign for the entrance tto the FREMA Building. Crabb said this will allow resisdents to locate the entrance quicker in emergency situations.