R-1 district ends fiscal year with a balanced budget

NEW MADRID, Mo. - In a brief special meeting, the New Madrid County R-1 Board of Education put the final touches on the 2020-2021 budget.

According to Dr. Sam Duncan, on June 29, the Board approved the final budget adjustments. He pointed out the budget ended balanced with operating reserves of 42.05 percent.

“This is the highest we’ve seen for this district that we know of,” Duncan said about the operating reserves.

He praised Heather Schuerenberg, the District’s business manager, for her efforts along with other members of the faculty and staff to maintain a balanced budget.

“It is rewarding to see these numbers so that we are able to continue to spend more money where we need to - on educating our kids and having good reserves for the future,” Duncan said.

The Board accepted the resignation of Angela Hanlin, elementary principal at Matthews and the District’s curriculum and professional development coordinator.

Duncan said the Board acknowledged Hanlin’s tremendous contribution to the District. “We know she will be met with much success as she moves into her role of superintendent with her new school district,” he added.

The District has already begun the process of interviewing candidates to fill the vacancy brought on by Hanlin’s departure. Five candidates will be interviewed by a team including teachers from the Matthews Elementary School along with administrators.

He said a replacement is expected to be approved at the July board meeting.

Also during the meeting, approval was given to several policies dealing the virtual instruction.