Richland OKs budget; Town Hall Meeting set

Like households across the country, Missouri schools are also facing difficult economic times and if predictions serve correctly, the times will only be more difficult in the coming year.

The regular October meeting of Richland Schools' Board of Education was mostly consumed with pouring over the district's current operating budget with much of the discussion focused upon the factors affecting anticipated revenues for the current school year.

The district, like others in Stoddard County, is looking at a decrease in funding for federal programs in addition to changes in the state funding formula. On the bright side, the district is working with an increased local tax rate; and they, like neighboring districts, are in receipt of federal stimulus monies (ARRA).

"Keeping the district on strong financial ground was the driving force behind the budget decisions that have been made," Supt. Mike Kiehne told his board.

The budget plan, as spelled out to members last week, includes a mere one-percent raise in pay for certified and non-certified staff and an increase in cost of retirement benefits for all staff. These, coupled with looking at the need to purchase a new school bus for the district and an increase in Special Education expenditures, add to what many believe are just the beginning of financial woes bound to hit Missouri's schools over the next year.

Budgeted for the 2009-10 year for transportation for Richland Schools is a total of $217,887. Food Service accounts for $149,032 for the year, and salaries make up $1,873,073. In addition, $213,886 has been earmarked for capital projects.

The board approved the proposed budget as presented after Kiehne presented a thorough overview of all potential projects the district hopes to complete in the near future.

Kiehne then addressed the board regarding the recent notification from the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) that the Annual Performance Report indicates Richland has once again met the 14 out of 14 performance criteria for the previous school year. The accomplishment will once again grant the district Academic Distinction in Performance.

"This speaks well of our students, our staff and our building administrators and is an achievement for which I am most proud," Keihne said of the upcoming honor.

After a slump earlier in October, attendance in the district is up to near-normal for the period, according to reports from Richland High School Principal, Robert Eudaley.

"We were hit by the flu for awhile, but we seem to be getting back into shape," he told the board, reporting middle school and high school attendance at 96 percent for the past month.

Board members reviewed MSIP Review items, as is done routinely each month. Programs concerning Richland's transportation, vocational programs and the Board of Education were reviewed and approved.

Judy Ackman, Professional Development Plan Coordinator for Richland Schools, presented an overview of the PDC program, outlining plans for the 2009-10 school year. The PDC program thrives to coordinate professional activities for school staff members for the purpose of improving student learning.

September's membership count, which is taken each year as mandated by DESE, was also an item of discussion during last week's meeting. Overall, the district's student population is down by 49 students this year. In September 2008 Richland had 307 students enrolled. Last month the count was reduced to 258.

Kiehne attributes the drop in enrollment to a number of factors, with one being the rise in fuel costs over the past year.

"Richland is considered to be a nice little bedroom community," Kiehne explained, "and people favored the rural atmosphere even though they might have to drive 20 miles or so to work. When fuel costs skyrocketed last year, I believe we lost some of those families who are employed in Poplar Bluff or Sikeston because of the cost of transportation to those areas."

Board members were informed of the official election day coming on April 6, 2010 and were reminded that the first day for candidate filing will be Dec. 15, 2009. The deadline for filing is Jan. 19, 2010.

The board also accepted the resignation of Mary Corlew, longtime cook for the Richland School District.

Board members were reminded of a planned Town Hall meeting slated for this week on Thursday, Oct. 29 at the school's cafeteria. Kiehne will direct the meeting, to which all area residents are invited for the purpose of becoming better informed regarding the bond issue that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.