Dale School Supt. Ky Wilkins discussed finances with his Board of Education during a meeting earlier this week, pointing out that expenses have been lowered compared to the same time a year ago.
“We’ve spent about $1.85 million so far this year,” he told board members. “That compares to well over $2 million at this time a year ago.”
Wilkins advised them, “We’ve saved about $50,000 a month so far.” He attributed part of that to the CARES Act funds the school received, and also to the employment of younger teachers.
He said several aide positions also have been eliminated.
“We’ve spent money on cleaning supplies because of COVID and also technology. Teachers have been so good about our having to button up the hatches,” he added.
He showed that local revenue the district has received as of November this year totals $232,650 compared to $214,328 in November of 2019. “That’s a little over $18,000 up” he noted.
Wilkins said the district is down about $100,000 in state aid.
“The county educational sales tax fund balance is $147,240. We’re receiving an average of about $22,000 a month from it.”
He indicated he doesn’t want to spend any of that money unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Wilkins pointed out to the board he anticipates another mid-year cut.
He told board members from what he’s hearing about a Stimulus package Congress is considering the district could receive up to three times the money received earlier in CARES Act money.
Still, he indicated to the board he considers the financial situation serious.
In other business, the board also approved meeting dates for 2021.
It was reported to the board the dropout report for 2018-2019 was zero. In the remediation report, members were informed it was zero for both Science and English, two in math and one in reading.