SCHOOL BOARD LOOKS AT REVENUE AND NEW ALTON ELEMENTARY

Frank Wagner April 8, 2014

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The Brenham School board got a very early look at the budget for the upcoming school year at a special noon meeting today (Monday). The board heard from the BISD Finance Director Kim Horne, who reviewed the average daily attendance and the increased revenues that are expected to come in. Horne said the property valuations within the district have increased by nearly $50 million but she said it will still be difficult to balance the budget.

Assistant Supt. Byron McAdams said there is still a very long way to go before the board finally adopts a budget in August, right before classes begin for the 2014-15 school year.

Horne told the board about the considerations that may make changes in the budget for the upcoming school year. This year’s budget was $37.6 million paid for with a $1.13 property tax rate. Horne told the Board the district will have an additional $361,000 from the state but that has to be spent on the teacher retirement program. It is too early to tell if the tax rate will remain the same, go lower or go higher.

The maintenance and operation rate is a $1.02 and there is 11.5 cents for debt service. Much of that is to pay for the $26 million bond issue that is building the new Alton Elementary School and making the renovations at the Middle School.

The Brenham School Board, along with the administration took a tour of the construction site of the elementary school. The new school at 1200 South Market is on target for being completed by the start of the new school year.

Alton Principal Michael Ogg said earlier he made several tours of the new school construction site and says much progress has been made and there are many improvements.

Ogg says this new school site will be a great improvement over the current school on Kerr Street. He notes the new school will not be so spread out and make for easier access for the students and faculty.