Alta school board looks ahead; refinancing to benefit taxpayers $228,000

The Alta School Board will soon begin planning its budget for the next school year. With state funding cut way back, Superintendent Dr. Fred Maharry said, "There is no question the budget is going to be very, very challenging."

Supt. Maharry told the board Monday that he has been reviewing reductions that can be made and will ask for input from staff and board members in the near future.

"There are projections that the district could receive anywhere from 2 percent to minus 3 percent new money" next year, he said. "It is also difficult to know what will be done with the budget guarantee. The state is dealing with a projected deficit of $1.3 to $1.8 billion and lawmakers are trying to identify the best means of reducing expenses. There is no question that education will be adversely affected."

Supt. Maharry added that they will not know for sure what the legislators decide until maybe March 31. "This presents timing problems for administrators and board members."

Supt. Maharry said he is thankful that the district has been able to cut down on expenses over the past three years.

Additional savings and sources of new funding are being looked at constantly.

It was learned recently that the district could save a substantial amount of money if the 2002 middle school bonds were financed. The board anticipated that the step would save district taxpayers at least $170,000, which was very good news.

On Tuesday, the board met again in special session to open bids and approve the winning bid. Four bids were received. Bankers Bank of Madison, Wisc. had the lowest interest rate of 3.099 percent. Even better news, this refinancing surpassed the cost savings anticipated - $228,000 will be saved by he taxpayers.

"We are very pleased," said Supt. Maharry.

There are a couple of funding opportunities available for the district to take part in.

The district could receive $100,300 from Microsoft - most districts could - but a plan must be submitted. There are specific guidelines including that the dollars cannot be spent to hire staff but must be used for equipment, software and professional development. Tech director Linda Huseman is helping with the development of the plan.

"This seems to be a gift to us to get going on technology," said board member Greg Kueny.

It was also pointed out that the Aurelia district has the opportunity to receive these technology funds and it was suggested that the two districts discuss their plans together so that Alta and Aurelia students can benefit.

The funds are made available to the school districts from a law suit that occurred several years ago.

Read more of this story in the January 14 Pilot Tribune.