| IRONWOOD - July 1, 2011 The Ironwood School Board
met yesterday for the purpose of concluding year end
fiscal matters.
The District Superintendent, Tim Kolesar described the
changes made to the 2011-2012 school year budget that
were mostly necessitated by funding cuts from the state
government.
The district also faced the loss of federal funds that
were temporary in nature and were part of the national
economic stimulus package.
The district staff has done some belt tightening, and
the results have already been effective.
Just ten days ago it was apparent that the 2010-2011
budget year would end end with a $240,000 balance. At
that time Kolesar told the board that he felt the
district might realize a balance of approximately
$279,000. Yesterday, with the close of the school year
the almost final number looks like the fund balance is
approximately $301,409. Of course the actually balance
will be determined by the independent annual audit.
The $301,409 is larger than expected and good news
compared to the doom and gloom forecasts of just a
couple years ago.
The school board approved the budget and also
approved the year-end budget amendment. An accounting
housekeeping chore required by law.
There’s not too much room for celebrating, the
Republican Governor's war against school children will
takes its toll next year. Revenue cuts will result in a
$233,974 revenue/expense shortfall. That applied to the
$301,490 carry over will leave the district with a slim
surplus of $67,516.
That is far below the recommended fund balance levels.
Up until recently, there were just 25 or so school
districts with deficit fund balances. Shame on them!
But, it is very likely that next year almost all of the
U.P. School districts will have or be near a deficit
position. Shame on Lansing!
It is quite clear that the new Lansing regime is intent
on replacing the business tax with money stolen from the
state’s school children. But then again the kids can’t
vote can they? |
