By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Dec. 15 meeting of the Adair-Casey School Board, Superintendent Josh Rasmussen shared data on the Comprehensive Financial Projection Model for the next five years. One area noted was the Unspent Authority Balance (UAB), which has been steadily increasing in recent years. He explained that the reasons for this include the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards working toward the possibility of consolidation.
“We’ve gotten really efficient,” Rasmussen said. “We have money we can spend on some programs.”
Rasmussen said he is concerned that school districts with very high UAB balances may see less funding from the state. Board members discussed the need to spend UAB funds wisely rather than haphazardly.
The board reviewed projections on student enrollment, revenues and expenses.
Rasmussen provided a legislative update and encouraged board members to advocate with lawmakers.
“I would say whenever you get a chance to meet or email our representatives (to do so), because operational sharing, there’s some discussion about limiting that,” Rasmussen said. “We don’t want that to go away.”
The board discussed the facility upgrade recommendations made by consulting firm Denovo. Each board member shared which projects they felt were priorities. Those included secure entrances, making an ADA-compliant bathroom, and walls and doors at the elementary. Board member Lindsay Dinkla advocated for strongly considering some of the classroom improvements suggested by teachers. No formal decisions were made.
Principal Ed Den Beste said the recent music concert was well attended and went smoothly.
The board held its annual organizational meeting. Blair Carney was reelected as board president, with Justin Crawford as vice president.
The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be a joint meeting of the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center school boards on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the high school in Guthrie Center. The public is welcome.