Malta Bend BOE hears about potential budget shortfalls

Superintendent Melissa Vesser warned Malta Bend Board of Education members about upcoming budget constraints at the board's meeting Wednesday evening, Nov. 11.

In October, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced state budget cuts, some of which affect education, Vesser said.

The school will receive $12,000 less in state funding in the 2010 fiscal year. School revenues are not set to increase any in the coming year, though Vesser expects expenses will.

"We're going to have to take a real hard look at what we do and find out how we can make it work," she said.

If the school has to make cuts, they could be in extra-duty pay, career ladder payments or possibly an administrative position, among other things.

In her report, school counselor Erica Simms said the school still has work to be done in developing an A-Plus program. After submitting materials earlier in the year, the school passed seven of the 11 A-Plus requirements.

Because of days missed earlier in the school year, Vesser asked the board to approve two make-up days: Jan. 4 and Feb. 15.

The board also approved four fundraisers at its meeting.

The eighth grade class will sell Christmas candy-grams. Cheerleaders will host a dance in January and a kids cheerleading clinic Feb. 25, and they will also be making and selling fleece scarves in school colors.

Other upcoming school dates are the American Legion appreciation breakfast Tuesday, Nov. 24, and the Parent Teacher Organization Santa Spree Saturday, Dec. 5.

Board members Casey Klein, Doreena Forqueran, Art Madden, Susan Jansen and Jackie Plattner were present at the meeting.

The board will meet again Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in the school library.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net