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Extracurricular programs trimmed from Flagler school budget
A tentative budget for Flagler County Public Schools reflects very little room for money mistakes -- and none at all for some student extracurricular activities.
The district is suspending financial support for student clubs and organizations during the 2008-2009 school year but will continue to operate sports and fine arts programs as usual, Superintendent Bill Delbrugge said earlier this week.
Some teachers are volunteering to keep some student clubs going while community groups are stepping up to sponsor other organizations, Delbrugge said.
Despite the setbacks, officials are upbeat as they enter a new school year with a tight but balanced budget, he said.
"We're going to make it," Delbrugge said.
In a special meeting earlier this week, School Board members approved a tentative budget of $210 million and a tentative property-tax rate of $7.31 per $1,000 assessed value.
The board approved a $233 million budget for the 2007-2008 school year and a property-tax rate of $7.62 per $1,000 assessed value.
About $99 million of the budget is devoted to the general fund, which covers the salaries of teachers and district employees and transportation expenses.
Delbrugge told board members in a workshop meeting that the budget reflects the district's "core values" and its renewed focus on science, math, literacy and community outreach.
Schools will offer more rigorous courses and push career exploration, he said.
Goals for the district include motivating families to be active in students' education and teaching parents how to encourage their children to do well in school, he said.
Maintaining open communication lines with families along with retaining quality personnel are a part of the formula that will take Flagler schools from "good to great," he said.
Board member Charlie Gambaro praised Delbrugge for presenting a sound budget in the midst of an uncertain financial time for the district.
"We're certainly not in the same situation as some other districts," he said. "To make (the budget) work, it's remarkable."
Officials, however, must remain cautious thanks to low reserves, Delbrugge said.
"We still have to be very careful," he said. "We spent every dime."
In a separate interview, board member Evie Shellenberger concurred.
"I feel we still have to keep a watchful eye," she said.
The board will hold its first public hearing on the tentative budget and property-tax rate at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell.
If $7.31 per $1,000 of assessed value is adopted as the final tax rate for the fiscal year, it means owners of a $175,000 home with a $25,000 homestead exemption would pay $1,096.50 in school taxes.
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