Increases caused by funding shortfalls

Why did the school board ask for more money in this levy than the previous levy? This question keeps coming up and the speculation should cease — here are the specifics from the district:

1. Coldwater Creek is no longer able to fund the Upper Quartile program, which amounts to $300,000 per year.

2. Federal grant funding for Title 1 and special services anticipates losing $155,000 per year.

3. Projected inflationary costs of $125, 000 per year to cover the increased costs of fuel, liability and workers compensation insurance, paper, etc.

4. Projected increase in employee health insurance costs for staff will rise by about $300,000 per year.

5. Food service is operating at a loss of about $100,000 per year because food prices have skyrocketed but federal reimbursement only increased by 3 percent.

We all know that costs have gone up. The increases identified above do not represent wasteful, frivolous or unnecessary spending. In fact, they represent prudent planning based on reality; the loss of revenue in the retail industry, the reduction in federal grant funding, raising costs of necessities including fuel, insurance and food. Solid planning with projections like these is vital to maintaining a balanced school budget through the next two years. Vote yes.

MARCIA WILSON

Sagle