GCISD's school board on Aug. 29 approved a budget for 2002-2003 with expenditures of $5.8 million, and revenues approximately $27,000 higher. Revenues are approximately $200,000 less than last year. After a public hearing, which no members of the public attended, the board voted to raise the school tax rate from $1.309 per $100 valuation to the state maximum of $1.50.
School Superintendent Steve Long reported that the school owes Presidio $200,000 in WADA payments from 1998-99. He said he wasn't sure how the error was made, but it has been thoroughly researched, and the school does owe the money. The $200,000 will have to come from the school's reserves, which will then stand at approximately $2.4 million.
Long: School in Good Financial Shape
Long said the school district is in good financial shape, and that it will be one of few districts operating on a balanced budget.
Long revised some of the budget percentages he had given the board previously, saying that WADA (monies sent out of the district) takes 46 percent of the budget rather than the 55 percent he reported earlier. Also, the superintendent's expenses are 4 percent of the budget rather than 2 percent. Instruction takes 28 percent, the principals' expenses take 3 percent, transportation accounts for 3 percent, maintenance takes 8 percent, and all other expenses combined take an additional 8 percent.
In other action, the board approved the Gifted and Talented policy for the coming year. Kids in grades K-6 who qualify will spend 45 minutes per week working in the program. Secondary School Principal Faith Scott said most schools have about two percent of their students qualify for the GT program, but here, the number is five percent. Micki Wesley is the GT teacher.
Long reported that school counselor Doug Connors will work only half-time this year.