School Board budget projects surplus

MANATEE COUNTY — It’s the first budget in four years that proposes no cuts and anticipates a surplus of $2.54 million, thanks to increased revenue from additional student enrollment and increased state per-student funding for Manatee schools.

Schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal delivered his preliminary budget message to the board and the public during a special meeting Monday, June 18.

“This (budget) is a work in progress,” School Board Chairman Harry Kinnan said after the meeting, adding the board has had numerous, detailed budget workshops over the last several months. “We want to put as much money in the classroom as we can.”

Members of the Manatee County School Board are moving forward with a preliminary $328 million operating budget that includes no cuts, returns dollars to schools and proposes a 1% bonus for district employees.
It also projects a potential 2.48% decrease in millage rates, which would reduce the amount of school tax on a $169,000 home by $28.37, if the rate does not change.

The school district is currently anticipating a total millage rate of 7.733, but the Manatee County Property Appraiser is slated to deliver a certified tax role July 1, at which time millage rates could change. Board members also would have to approve the millage rate at budget hearings later this year.

Although the school board’s 2011-12 budget reduced school budgets by $700,000, the proposed 2012-13 budget adds back those dollars.

McGonegal said he anticipates revenues of $13.5 million in the 2012-13 school year, much of which is attributed to additional student enrollment — $3.87 million — and the Legislature’s approval of increased per-student funding, which will generate for the district an anticipated $8.15 million. The district also will receive categorical revenues for reading instruction ($550,000) and School Recognition, or A+ funds, ($930,000).

The district also expects to save $1.9 million as longtime district employees retire and are replaced with new hires who will have lower salaries.

Expenses are being estimated at $10.98 million, with $3.68 million in additional costs associated with new student enrollment, $2 million lost in grant dollars and $1.05 million in additional funding for the board’s share of the Florida Retirement Premium and funding into workers compensation premiums, among other costs. The district’s fund balance has dropped below the state-required minimum of 3%, and the district now must rebuild it to that level, an anticipated cost of $3.2 million.

Budget workshops for school board members began in October, but the public heard full budget details for the first time at Monday’s meeting, which invited public discussion on the budget months earlier than in years past, McGonegal said.

“This was an extra step we put in place,” McGonegal said of Monday’s meeting. “We wanted to have the budget on the website earlier to get more public dialogue. It’s been (working).”

The board now will hold a public hearing to approve the tentative budget July 30 and a final budget adoption hearing Sept. 10.

To view the budget, make suggestions or get more information, visit manateeschools.net.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

SCHOOL ATTORNEY TO RETIRE
In other business, Manatee County School District Attorney John Bowen announced Monday, June 18, he will retire in June 2013.

Bowen, 69, said he was notifying the board now so members could better continue their discussions on whether to have an in-house attorney or to contract out the work.

Additionally, the board will need time to search for and interview potential replacement candidates, he said.

By the Numbers
7.733 — The current proposed total school millage rate
28.37 — In dollars, the amount projected for a school tax to decrease on a home valued at $169,000
827 — Projected increase in the number of students next school year compared to the 2011/12 school year
45,051 — Number of students projected to be enrolled in Manatee County Schools for the 2012-13 school year
2.54 million — In dollars, the anticipated surplus amount in the district’s general fund