BURTON SCHOOL BOARD HOLDS PRELIMINARY BUDGET DISCUSSION
Burton ISD trustees heard a preliminary update Monday on the school district budget for the upcoming school year.
Burton ISD Business Manager Caitlyn Blakey-Staal said as the district plans out the budget, it is keeping in mind rising costs and has adjusted for recently approved salary and stipend increases. It is also preparing for a higher payment to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) at the end of the year. She said higher property values will bring in more money, but will also mean the district sends more money in its recapture payment to the TEA.
Robert Westbrook, a Region VI representative and former Milano ISD superintendent, said the preliminary budget is like “working with Jell-O.” He said final certified values are supposed to be sent to the district no later than July 25th. At that point, the district can move forward with the process of determining what its maximum tax rate can be. Westbrook said the tax rate will go down some, but property values are “exploding.”
The budget for the 2021-22 school year was $8,320,434. The tax rate was $0.9782 per $100 valuation.
Also on Monday, the board approved the purchase of 125 student Chromebooks for no more than $40,000.
Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy reported the known enrollment as of Monday was 298 elementary students and 208 secondary students.
The board also approved:
- A resolution to renew its status as a District of Innovation.
- Board policy updates affecting local policies on office management, professional development, basic instructional programs, curriculum design, special education, special programs, academic achievement, crisis intervention and student welfare.
- The Texas Association of School Boards’ investment policy and worker’s compensation coverage renewal.
- The administrative procedures manual.
- Delegating contractual authority to obligate the school district to the superintendent under Texas Education Code for the purchase of attendance credits for the 2022-23 school year.
- Designating Washington County Extension Agents as adjunct staff members.
- Amendments to the 2021-22 budget.