School board acts on budgets, hears maintenance needs

The Wahkiakum High School Board of Directors met July 23 to discuss and act on budget and maintenance projects for the coming school year.

Superintendent Bob Garrett told the board that a budget extension was necessary for two funds in the 2007-08 budget. For the general fund, he recommended an increase from $4.8 million to $5.06 million because of unanticipated high inflation.

In addition to the inflation costs, other costs such as unexpected machinery and maintenance projects completed in the past year exceeded estimates.

Regarding the 2007-2008 capital project fund, Garrett recommended an increase from $100,000 to $160,000. Legitimate projects, like the demolition of the old gym, weren't originally budgeted for, he said.

School board members approved the 2008-2009 capital projects in the amount of $220,000.

The Associated Student Body (ASB) fund is stable, Garrett said. Total expenditures for last year were budgeted for $162,000 and for the coming year, $168,000.

The budget amounts for the ASB come from questioning advisors and coaches about how much they intend to spend and expect to make. Garrett said he asks them to budget high so a budget extension is not necessary.

The transportation fund budget has been set at $110,000 for the purchase of a new bus. Garrett said he expected the final amount to come in less than anticipated. He said he would go to the board for final approval most likely at the August board meeting.

The board approved raising breakfast and lunch prices for the 2008-2009 school year. Student breakfast will now be $1.25; adults, $1.75; kindergarten-fifth grade lunch prices $2; grades 6-12, $2.25; and adult lunch, $3. The price for salad bar is $2.50, and milk will be 40 cents. Free and reduced prices will not change.

In other business, the board accepted the retirement of math teacher Sharon Dennis and the resignation of David McNally, assistant high school baseball coach.

Maintenance Supervisor Bob McClintock presented the board with his list of recommended maintenance projects. The exterior wall of the multi-purpose room at the elementary school, McClintock explained, is beginning to show signs of dry rot. The windows of the building are leaking and allowing water to enter the building. It is an issue that needs to be addressed, he said. Several contractors gave bids to McClintock to replace and repair the siding of the exterior wall which needs to be completed before the rainy season. The estimated cost of repair is $108,000.

When the high school gymnasium was last re-roofed, existing disconnected exhaust fans were not removed, McClintock said. They are beginning to rot and should be removed and patched. Estimated cost for the work is $2,500.

The installation of a roof access hatch on the gym for maintenance is estimated at $3000. All maintenance costs are rough estimates.

The next school board meeting will be August 20, at 7 p.m. in the high school library.