Local News

July 26, 2007

A decrease in projected enrollment should not cause too much trouble for the 2007-08 Wahkiakum School District budget, Superintendent Bob Garrett told the district board of directors July 18.
State apportionment is based on enrollment, and normally a decline means a reduction in revenues. However, Garrett said, the legislature increased apportionment per pupil and funded raises for certain employees, thereby leaving the district in good shape.
“The legislature did a better job of trying to fund education,” Garrett said. “We had one of the best increases we’ve had in years.
“We should be okay. I see no problems at this point. Our student to staff ratio is very good.
“However, if we don’t get the students, the staff level may have to be reduced.”

Garrett predicted an enrollment of 455 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, down from 465 used to budget this year. Actual enrollment was close to that number; in the previous school year, 2005-06, actual enrollment was 483.16 FTE’s.
The general fund budget will total $4.81 million, up from $4.5 million budget for this year.The district will spend more than it takes in during the coming year.
Some of the increase in expense is found in state-funded raises for employees; administrators have also agreed to increase middle school staffing to two teachers per grade.

Middle school class sizes are 36-40 students, too small to comfortably finance two teachers but too large for one teacher to handle well.
Garrett hopes the district will end the 07-08 school year with $495,524 cash on hand; that would be close to a 10 percent balance that school finance officer normally recommend for a district.
The district will collect $730,122 in local taxes and $2.5 million in general purpose state funds.
The district’s other funds, Debt Service, Capital Projects, Associated Student Body, and Transportation Vehicle, are in fairly good shape, too, Garrett said.

The price of student lunches will increase next year.
Breakfast will cost $1 for students and $1.25 for adults.
Lunch will cost 40 cents for students in the reduced price program, $1.75 for elementary school students and $2 for middle and high school students, and $2.50 for adults.
Salads from the salad bar will cost $2, and milk will cost 35 cents.