The Hutchinson School Board Monday reviewed the results of a three-month-long process to gain more input on the 2012-13 budget.
The Budget Committee, composed of students, community members and staff, met several times from late January through early April to provide the Board with input.
Overall, the committee favored budgeting a cost of living increase for staff members after several years of no increases, said Dr. Shelly Kiblinger, district superintendent. Meanwhile, about half the committee favored increasing the local option budget, if needed, to fund budget imperatives.
The group almost unanimously agreed the community input process should be continued for the 2013-14 budget.
The Board of Education has final authority over the district’s budget. Typically, the Board receives the proposed budget in late July and acts on it in early August.
Also during Monday’s meeting, Jennifer Gardner, director of nutrition services, made a presentation on meal prices. Because of federal regulations, full-pay meal prices will increase in the district.
Student breakfast prices will increase to $1.30 per meal, up from $1.20 for K-8 students and $1.25 for high school students. Lunch prices will increase to $2 from $1.85 for K-6 students, to $2.15 from $2 for middle school students and $2.40 from $2.25 for high school students. Adult lunch prices will increase to $3.25 from $3.10 while adult breakfasts will remain unchanged at $1.85.
Milk prices will increase to 50 cents from 35 cents.
The board also tentatively approved refinancing a portion of the district bonds. Even though the district was able to obtain financing at relatively low levels, it has been able to find some additional savings, amounting to $277,400 over the life of the 2007 bond issue.
And they approved re-roofing projects for McCandless and Avenue A elementary schools. The district’s roofs are on a planned replacement cycle.
They also gave the go-ahead for architectural and engineering fees for upgraded facilities at the 23rd and Severance sports complex.
The board also met in executive session for 15 minutes to discuss negotiations.