By Linda Kor Joseph City School District Finance Director Steve Miller presented the proposed fiscal year budget for approval to the Joseph City Unified School District Governing board during their July 14 meeting. It was shown that the estimated expenditures for the year total just over $5 million, up $414,408 from the previous fiscal year. Those expenses include just over $3.5 million in salaries and benefits, an increase of $319,141; $452,903 for supplies, electricity and fuel, an increase of $49,977; $54,000 for textbooks, materials and library books, an increase of $23,354; $384,382 for professional, contracted services and training, an increase of $18,534; $109,348 for fees, short-term interest and student travel, an increase of $7,739; $201,034 for insurance, travel and other purchased services, a decrease of $5,810; land and building improvements are budgeted at $8,000, with none budgeted for the previous year; $30,000 for furniture, equipment and technology, a $10,162 increase over last year; and vehicle costs were listed at $12,000, a decrease of $68,700 over last year. Principal and interest on capital leases were set at $163,224, an increase of $52,011 over last year. Superintendent Bryan Fields noted that the $68,700 increase in vehicle costs was due to a bus engine replacement and the purchase of a new bus. “We’re receiving more money from the state and a few more students. Those are the two main reasons that everything went up,” noted Fields. The board unanimously approved the proposed budget. Resident Bob Winner addressed the board regarding school buses and vehicles. He expressed concerns regarding older vehicles and presented the board with a review of variances. The board also approved assignments and employment renewals for Lisa Rice, substitute clerical/finance; Judy Young, Theresa Vanhemert and Charmayne Morris, both as substitute custodians; Dana Johnstun and Terry Johnstun, both as substitute custodians and asset control; Taylor Fields, lifeguard; Kristen Beatty, elementary music coordinator; and Daniel Hutchens, elementary music teacher. Also approved was the appointment of new personnel and changes to positions of current personnel including Jasmine Nells and Lauren Farr, both as seasonal workers; Donna Ybarra, elementary Instructional Aide II; Rebecca Berge, student auditorium worker; Julie Mills, sixth grade art teacher; Jennie Miller, health aide; Neleigha Hutchens, Taylor Fields and Jasmine Nells, each as student summer reading specialists/tutors; and Brad Fischer, custodial and asset control coordinator.
