A smaller budget is up for the South Whidbey School Board’s approval tonight. The South Whidbey School District cut its $15.2 million budget in 2011-2012 by about $200,000 for the 2012-2013 school year, most of which came from staffing reductions both in fewer positions and reduced hours. The district budgeted $14.8 million in expenses, almost half of which will be spent on regular instruction.

Dan Poolman, the district assistant superintendent for business, will present the budget to the board. Also related to Poolman, who became the assistant superintendent after the district divided the duties of the transportation and maintenance supervisor, is the request to purchase three new school buses capable of carrying 77- , 36- and 20-passengers. For all three purchases, the district will spend $290,279.17 of its $416,893 transportation vehicle fund.

The board is also expected to approve several policies concerning curriculum development, nondiscrimination, reasonable force, student health and sports-related concussions, as well as employment and property safety and operations.

There will be a public hearing period on the budget, as well as a general public comment period, prior to any action taken by the board. District Superintendent Jo Moccia will report and discuss possible leasing of district surplus property.

The school board business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. July 25 at the board room at the South Whidbey Primary Campus, located at 5476 S. Maxwelton Road.

 

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