Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - After receiving the numbers for the 2006 budget in a public workshop, the Manchester Community School Board gave business manager Steve Shumaker permission to advertise the budget Tuesday night.
"Each of the categories reflects a reduction from last year," said Shumaker.
Members of the school board received several packets from Shumaker, including the expense budget form from the state board of accounts, revenue projections from the last six months and the full 12 months of 2006, copies of taxpayer notices to be advertised in newspapers, a summary of the bus replacement plan and a summary of the general fund.
Referring to the general fund budget, Shumaker said that salaries make up 62 percent of the expenses and benefits make up more than 20 percent.
"There's really not a lot of our budget that we have a lot of control over," said Shumaker.
This year's budget totals $14,352,210. Last year, the corporation requested $14,272,921 and received $13,930,023.
"(Figuring a budget) is a tough thing to do," said Shumaker. "I'm not sure it's an art and not sure it's a science what (people from other schools) do to come up with their budget."
In other business, the school board:
• Heard that 1,611 students attended Manchester Community Schools on the first day of classes Tuesday. That number included 142 new kindergarten students. So far, the numbers are up from last year by 15 students.
• Tabled a decision on a one-sport rule exception for two students at Manchester High School. Two soccer players want permission to kick for the football team. The coaches, parents and athletic director Dave Harms have discussed the issue and come to an agreement. The school board wanted to gather more information about the situation before approving a motion that could set a precedent for future situations.
• Approved Manchester Elementary School's grade level chairmen: Janet Clevenger (kindergarten), Kathy Domenico (first grade), Carol Meeks (second grade), Susan Warren (third grade) and Melissa Curless (fourth grade).
• Accepted the resignation of Tom Brown as soccer coach.
• Approved hiring Jennifer Vincent as weight room supervisor at Manchester High School.
• Approved a retroactive summer teacher's contract for Randy Myers for Aug. 1-12.
• Approved Sunday building rentals for the German Baptist Church for Aug. 21 and Oct. 2. The church will rent the gymnasium and cafeteria area for youth activities.
Manchester school board members are Todd Speicher, Kent Terrill, Brian Schilling, Carlye McLaughlin and Steve Flack. Superintendent is Diana Showalter. Board members Sally Krouse and Thom Frantz were absent.
