The Winslow Unified School District Governing Board met last week and adopted the 2022-23 annual expenditure budget following a public hearing on the matter, with Board President Joey Hartnett absent.
The budget shows a $15.1 million estimated general limit. That reflects state assistance of nearly $1 million and an increase of per student funding of $330.
Business Manager Shirley Lomeli said, “I predicted we would have approximately 20 more students this year, which is why that base level of per student funding goes up. I’m making that prediction because the dorm (Winslow Residence Hall) will be opening up to 100% capacity this school year. They have been running at about 50%.”
Lomeli expects the district to remain in good financial standing and there was no public comment during the hearing.
The board also approved the job description of the newly created psychological support specialist position.
Superintendent Connie Gover explained, “This position will be funded for two years by the ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) grant we received from the federal government. In accepting that grant, we have to put a percentage of the money toward the social and emotional education of our students and this will help us do that. This person will help oversee our Focus rooms at our three elementary schools as well as be able to do psychological evaluations for our students who may be in distress.”
According to Lomeli, at the end of the two-year grant period, the district will be able to continue funding the position with carry over funds. The position is expected to be filled before the school year begins on Aug. 8.
During the call to the public, Winslow residents Burke Hendricks and Tim Westover expressed their gratitude to the district for hosting The Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps over the last five weeks.
The group, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, utilized the facilities at Winslow High School to train for their world championship competition in August. Fans can follow the group’s progress at www.battalioncorps.org/events.
In other business, the governing board:
* Approved the hiring of the following substitute and emergency substitute teachers: Alphena Armao, Misty Benham, Isabel Britton, Leah Claw, Donna Duran, Eric Leonard, Tabatha Nez, Marianne Richardson, Genevieve Salt, Susan St. Germaine, James Sumpter Jr., Brandon Tso, Kimberly Gould, Chuck Hodge, Cheyne Lowry, Linda Mileham and Reanna Walton.
* Approved the promotion of Tony Mora from transportation mechanic to transportation supervisor.
* Approved the holding of quarterly work sessions. No dates were set forth.
The next meeting of the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, in the district meeting room, located at 800 N. Apache Ave.
