School Board Approves 2019-2020 Budget
Oskaloosa Community School Board
OSKALOOSA- The Oskaloosa School Board has approved the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, opting to maintain a level of consistency. The board, on April 9, held a public hearing in regards to the proposed budget, receiving no positive or negative feedback from the public regarding the proposed budget. Superintendent Paula Wright noted that the tax levy for the upcoming year will be set at $14,207.50 per thousand.
“Which is a consistent rate from last year,” Wright said.
She noted that she did not recommend any major changes to the budget from what was officially published.
“We have no recommended changes from what was published.”
School Board President Shelly Herr said that the proposed budget allows for the District to accomplish the goals that the Board has identified as being most important.
“It supports the programs and things we were looking at doing. And also, I thought class size wise, it keeps our class sizes at reasonable levels,” Herr said.
Board member Carl Drost added his belief that the school district has started to work on disparities in open enrollment, as well as reducing deficits in the district’s special education account. Drost said because of the improvements being made in the district, he had no qualms with approving the budget.
“I see there’s headway being made in our school system,” Drost said.
Board member Kraig Van Hulzen implored members of the public to review their assessment notices that recently were mailed out, as well as their tax statements that will be mailed out in the future. He noted that the government entities that levy a tax are required to list that tax amount on tax notices, as well as the percentage of increase or decrease.
“If you don’t like your taxes going up, look at that on your tax bill and find out which one’s increasing and talk to them. That’s how you get your taxes lowered,” Van Hulzen said.
The board ultimately approved the budget on a 7-0 vote.
The board also considered the hiring of an architect for the early childhood learning center project. Board member Carl Drost, who is a member of the committee that interviewed potential architect firms, said that it is a crucial decision the board will make for the project itself.
“This architect is going to be the most important decision that we vote on for this $20 million project,” Drost said.
The board unanimously approved contracting with SVPA for the early childhood center. Pursuant to the 28E agreement between the school district and city, the District will be responsible for payment of 37 percent of the architect fees.
The board also approved a series of hirings for the district, including Mark Scholes as Middle School Principal, at a salary of $105,000, and Clint Gingerich as Middle School Vice Principal, at a salary of $90,000.
The next regular meeting of the Oskaloosa School Board will be on April 23 at 6 p.m.
