Budget reflects fiscal stability at Woodside school district Budget reflects fiscal stability at Woodside school district (July 28, 2004)

By David Boyce
Almanac Staff Writer

The budget for the year ahead for the Woodside Elementary School District portrays a financial picture much like that of last year: the district expects to take in more than it spends.

For the 12-month period that began July 1, the one-school K-8 district plans to spend $5.51 million on revenues of $5.66 million, said district business manager Tim Hanretty in his annual budget message.

Compared with the previous 12 months, projected revenues are up $122,700, or 2.2 percent, due in part to an expected 7 percent increase in property tax revenues. The budget shows the Woodside School Foundation contributing $1.5 million, down 4 percent from last year but still 26 percent of the district's revenues.

Spending on books and supplies would rise by 12.5 percent, to about $210,000, while technology spending would go up 30 percent to $42,200. The district expects to spend $35,000 on field maintenance, a 137 percent jump that reflects the actual costs of maintenance by an outside service and the price of keeping the fields "healthy and in safe condition" all year, Mr. Hanretty said.

Expenses overall are expected to drop by 2 percent, with teacher retirements and replacements at lower salaries projected to save the district about $110,000. One member of the maintenance staff retired and will not be replaced.

The budget assumes automatic raises averaging 3.2 percent for teachers and 2 percent for other staff, Mr. Hanretty said.

Only one employee-related cost is expected to rise sharply: workers' compensation premiums. The district plans to spend $35,791 for teachers' premiums, an increase of 82 percent, and $9,909 for staff, a 46 percent jump.

The district is expecting a general fund general fund balance of $1.24 million, a reserve of about 20 percent of expenses. The state requires a 4 percent reserve.

Woodside Elementary School serves about 440 students. The school consistently scores in the top ranks in state-mandated standardized tests. Principal and superintendent John Harter retired in June. As of July 1, the new permanent head of the school and the district is Dan Vinson.

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