Hollister
– The San Benito High School District budget, which
administrators describe as balanced but tight, is up for approval
at tonight’s Board of Trustees meeting.
Hollister – The San Benito High School District budget, which administrators describe as balanced but tight, is up for approval at tonight’s Board of Trustees meeting.
The budget calls for $25,571,983 in spending – a 1.89 percent increase from the previous year.
The budget does not have a surplus like last year, when the district received grants and one-time state funding, said Jim Koenig, director of finance and operations.
“There’s no money for extra programs, but as long as the state keeps this budget we will be able to meet all of our obligations,” Koenig said.
State legislators have yet to approve that budget, so the school district’s list of expenditures could change. The budget also may change after the district reaches a new contract agreement with teachers.
“Overall, we’re seeing an increase (in funding), but it’s not as much as we would like,” Koenig said. “The budget indicates that there is a surplus at the end of next year, but the fact of the matter is it’s going to be taken out.”
Trustee Steve DeLay said he is fairly content with the draft.
“My main objective was to make sure it was balanced, so I’m happy to see that,” he said.
District officials said although the budget remained in the black, they have to work hard to prevent a deficit down the road.
The high school expects its enrollment numbers – a major factor for determining state funding – to decline in the next few years.
