SIKESTON -- When it comes to the economy, school districts are in the same position as individuals and businesses.
The Sikeston R-6 Board of Education recently adopted a budget for the 2009-2010 school year. The budget for the new fiscal year, which began July 1, funds salary schedules for all employees, meaning that employees returning for the previous year received additional pay their year of service.
However, for the first time in many years, employees will not receive an across-the-board percentage raise.
"The administrators and Board members knew that the budget for fiscal year 2010 would be challenging. In the past few years, a conscious decision was made to spend reserves to add positions and programs deemed critical to student improvement," said Lori Boardman, R-6 director of business services.
Boardman said, the deficit budget was adopted with it being made clear by decision makers that by 2010-2011, a balanced budget would have to be in place to protect the integrity of the district's financial position. With that in mind, the administration set out to reduce expenditures while protecting the jobs of current personnel.
For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, click here to log on to the electronic edition.