by Michael J. Marino
Potential budget shortages and creating of goals were discussed at the November 21 meeting of the Huntley Project (HP) School Board.
Superintendent Mark Wandle said the board analyzed “whether a mill levy is something the district would authorize.” He advised the school is currently “up 28 students overall.”
“There is a surplus budget at the state level,” said Wandle, “and the Governor will propose his budget.” The board of trustees inquired about what that proposal would entail.
One available remedy to the district’s potential budget woes would be a mill levy. If a mill levy is not approved, the school would move to “making recommended cuts, trying for 1/2 of the projection, and using our budget reserves,” according to Mr. Wandle, adding, “We have $460,000 in excess reserves to operate on.”
He further advised the board that when the excess reserves are spent, they do not get replenished, recommending they wait to decide after the Montana legislature and Governor have more details provided regarding the surplus budget.
The board also had a conversation on goals. Mr. Wandle stated he had compiled survey and comments from staff and sent them to each board member. Board members were also given other District’s goals for reference purposes.
It was determined that each board member would send Wandle their goals to be shared with school staff. The staff can then send insights from the goals to help align our school board’s goals, and benchmarks will be determined to help establish SMART goals.
