NEW MADRID, Mo. - At the Aug. 26 tax rate hearing, New Madrid County R-1 school officials will ask the Board of Education to approve a 15 cent increase in the District's tax rate.
According to Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent, after the New Madrid County R-1 School District lost some $3.1 in revenue, or 29 percent of its revenue that is generated from local taxes, with the decision by Noranda Aluminum not to pay its property taxes in 2015 and the company's subsequent closing, the district has worked to to balance its budget while continuing to provide the quality of education the district's patrons expect. At the tax hearing, set for 9 a.m. Aug. 26 at the Board offices at the New Madrid County Central High School campus, officials will recommend the Board implement the last of the District's tax hikes of 10 cents, which was approved by voters several years ago, as well as a 5 cent increase needed to pay for the district's bond debts.
The district had postponed finalizing its budget, normally approved in June, until receiving the finalized assessed valuation numbers in August.
"The district now has a better handle on its budget, with expenditures being approved in June, after receiving the newly adjusted preliminary assessed valuation numbers in August, because it now has a more accurate understanding of local revenues," Duncan said.
The recommendation of a tax rate of $3.55 per $100 valuation will provide about 4 percent of the 29 percent of the loss the district suffered, Duncan said. The remainder will be made up through internal cuts, primarily in staffing from top administration posts on down, according to the Superintendent.
Duncan noted 25 people were not replaced for the 2016-17 school year. In addition, the district has frozen salaries and asked teachers to pay a portion of their insurance.
"We have worked to cut without compromising class size or the education of the kids. And, without telling anyone they have to leave," Duncan said. "We hope people understand we are taking most of these cuts internally. Our objective is having a budget that meets the actual expenditures. That is what we are fighting for."
Duncan emphasized the District is trying to be measured and balance in its budget so there will not be any further cuts or tax increases.
There was some positive financial news for the board at the August meeting, Duncan advised the Board the District received the 21st Century Grant, which is a federally funded grant implemented through the state of Missouri that will provide $1.8 million to the District over the next five years.
Duncan and the R-1 staff sought the grant earlier this spring and were notified just before school opened last week the District would receive between $300,000 to $400,000 per year.
The superintendent said the grant monies will be used to fund an extended day for students at their schools. He said because of the change in the local economy with the closing of the county's largest employer, many students may not have parent at home at the end of the school day and the grant will provide opportunities before and after schools for students to participate in enrichment and academic activities in a safe and secure environment.
Also the Board was informed that Missouri School Board Association Board of Directors has waived the district's dues for the 2016-2017 school year. Duncan said school board member Kay Rebstock advised MSBA of the financial crisis faced by the District and the group agreed to waive the district's dues.
Duncan noted the MSBA's services are quite valuable to the District and expressed his appreciation of the waiver.
In other actions by the Board at the August meeting:
* The Board adopted the district's Annual Secretary of the Board Report for submission to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The annual report provides DESE with financial information for the District.
* In the transportation update, John Garner praised the District's school bus drivers on the opening of school. Duncan also added the opening went well.
"The kids were delivered here safely and home safely. That is what you expect of course, but we are also very grateful to the divers for that," Duncan said.
* Open house dates are set for 6--7:30 p.m. today at the Central Middle School; Aug. 16 at the District's three elementary sites and Aug. 18 at Central High School and Technical Center.
* The Board approved the addendum to the July 1, 2013, agreement detailing the price per extra entrées charged by Opaa, the District's food service. The addendum, which will increase for the cost of extra entrees, will not be passed on to students, according to the superintendent.
* In personnel matters, the Board accepted the resignations of Sheila McFerren, assistant teacher at Lilbourn Elementary, and Trey Sullenger, welding instructor with the Technical Skills Center. Employed were Spencer Fodge, TSC welding instructor; Samantha Jolly, secretary for Central Middle School; and Chris Nance, Middle School football coach.
The following transfers were approved: Chris Nance from Middle School to Central High School wrestling; Rob Goodwin from Central High School to Middle School wrestling; and Marsha Howard from Kindergarten/Lilbourn to Lilbourn second grade instructor.
In reporting on Thursday's opening day, Duncan said all went well.
"I can't imagine a better start. Everyone is upbeat," Duncan said. "The buildings are immaculate. We did a lot more with less, The custodians really stepped up in the district and got things done on a shoestring budgets."
While the District will not be able to determine exact enrollment figures until early September, he said currently it appears the District should have the approximately the same number of students as it did on opening for the 2015 school year.