By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon District Three (Latta) budget was presented as information at the Dillon County Board of Education meeting last week.
Latta Superintendent Dr. John Kirby said the budget was based on a base student cost of $1,788. There are 1,671 students Among some of the things that have been done to balance the budget are:
—eliminated the perfect attendance bonus.
—replaced some teachers with first year teachers.
—included an energy grant to upgrade the air conditioners.
—reduced maintenance 60 percent.
—eliminated the contracted cleaning service.
Dr. Kirby said they did not reduce instructional supplies, security/crossing guards (eliminated one), and will continue to provide for student insurance and fees.
Approximately $830,000 in stimulus money is gone.
By the second reading of the budget, Dr. Kirby said they reduced school level supplies, reduced the substitutes, and absorbed four teaching positions. They are also looking to pass costs to daycares for bus drop off, which is $36 a year per student or .20 cents a day.
Employees with more than 190 days were contractually reduced by five days and coaches supplements were reduced by 25 percent.
They also reduced three instructional aid positions.
Depending on the state budget, teachers may not receive a Christmas bonus.
The total budget is $7,461,832.