The North Judson-San Pierre School Board is poised to adopt an $8 million budget when they meet this evening. That’s down nearly $2.5 million over the past couple of years, according to corporation officials. They say declining enrollment and changes to state funding are to blame. The corporation is asking voters who live within the N.J.-S.P. school district to support a general fund referendum in November to make up the shortfall. Without it they say additional, painful cuts to programs and services will be necessary.
In addition to the budget the board will approve the 2016 bus replacement plan. Money for buses comes from the corporation’s transportation fund. The general fund is mainly used to pay for salaries and programs.
Approval of a contract between the school board and North Judson-San Pierre Classroom Teachers Association is also on tonight’s agenda. Superintendent Lynn Johnson told the board last month negotiations went very well and there are minimal changes. One reflects the change in the payroll schedule due to the switch to the balanced calendar, and another addresses a change in insurance premiums. Salaries are frozen, and professional development will be offered if grant money is available to cover the cost.
Tonight’s school board meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation central office.
