Polson board amends budget

POLSON — As budgets are solidified and the school year winds down, the news was positive for the Polson School District.

District clerk Pam Owens reported at the regular Polson Board of Trustees meeting that projected general fund budgets numbers will allow for the district to maintain at the mandated 10 percent excess in reserves, and allow for a nearly $700,000 surplus.

The extra money, which breaks downs to excess of just over $470,000 for the elementary and $188,000 for the high school general reserve funds, could be used to fund much needed projects or to buy books and curriculum  supplies for the schools.

Owens, acting superintendent Bill Appleton and incoming superintendent David Whitesell had earlier in the day briefly discussed a list of existing recommendations for the funds, which included buying science, English and math curriculum  and textbooks.

Trustee Vernon Finley suggested the administrators have time to meet and discuss what projects and supplies they believe the excess could best be used for. Some projects could also be covered by grants the district has applied for. 

Cherry Valley principal Elaine Meeks and Linderman principal Steve York said at Monday’s meeting there is a great need for storage at both schools. Projects like repairing the high school roof and buying extra lunch room tables were also briefly discussed. At an earlier special budget meeting, attendees had discussed using dollars to hire reading coaches or possibly rehiring regular classroom paraprofessionals.

The amended budget, including the excess, must be approved by the state and include a specific list of agreed upon expenditures. The board will hold a special meeting to discuss specific excess fund projects and supplies at 4:30 p.m. today at the district office.

The board also unanimously approved a motion to extend Whitesell’s contract to begin immediately. The incoming superintendent was set to begin on July 1, but has been attending special board meetings and agreed to begin on Wednesday. The contract extension covers June 9-30.

Current superintendent Sue McCormick announced her resignation at the beginning of the school year and has been on medical leave for several months. A retirement reception for McCormick was held yesterday.

During school reports, Meeks reported that Linderman and Cherry Valley raised nearly $12,000 at the Walk-A-Thon fundraiser held this spring.

Students finished the year with a half day on Tuesday.