| Sebeka School decreases levy |
| Written by ROY RUDDERFORTH |
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At their regular meeting on December 8, the Sebeka School Board approved a final payable 2010 property tax levy of $443,583, a five percent decrease from last year. The Sebeka District showed a decline in almost all levy categories with the exception of the referendum, up three percent and basic community education, up by one percent. Prior to the vote, business manager Deb Berry reviewed the district's current budget. As it stands now Sebeka's revenues will fall short of expenditures by $320,000. However, Berry said she is optimistic that she will be able to narrow that discrepancy in January. She noted that the budget was predicated on a student population of 477, but she will be able to revise the revenue budget upward since Sebeka currently has 499 students. The expenditure budget also presumed inflation would run at 3.5 percent, but is now at around 2.5 percent, which would lower the expenditure budget somewhat. In addition, the district will also receive a $100,000 infusion of federal stimulus dollars. In other business matters, the board learned that the Sebeka District will likely be heading into mediation with the teachers' union. Board negotiator Rod Huttunen said that the language issues were ironed out, but talks had stalled on salaries. The board's current proposal calls for a two percent increase in each of the two years of the contract, plus an additional $25 per month towards health insurance. The teachers are requesting 4.5 percent in year one and four percent in year two, plus an insurance increase in both years. Barring a breakthrough before then, the two parties will enter the mediation process in January. On an educational matter, Superintendent David Fjeldheim reviewed the school improvement plan prompted by the district's failure to make annual yearly progress in several categories based on standardized testing. The 12-person committee of administrators and faculty put together a plan for improvement that would ensure that all students are proficient in core academic subjects by 2013-14. To do so the district will establish measurable objectives to achieve proficiency, incorporte strategies based on scientific research, promote effective parent involvement strategies increase teacher and principal participation in high quality professional development. In addition, the school will set aside ten percent of its federal Title I money for professional development as well as incorporate extended day and extended school year activities as appropriate. |