By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac Board of Education Monday night at Sister Lakes Elementary School made its second 2004-'05 budget revision recommended by Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Hal Davis.
Proposed revenues are $21,412,838 (+$15,064). Proposed expenses are $22,292,574 (+$13,877), leaving a projected shortfall of $879,736 to be absorbed by the fund balance.
The Wide Area Network (WAN) fund equity project is included in this revision. Its overall cost will be reduced by the joint agreement with the City of Dowagiac.
Davis reported that the school service fund (food service/athletics) remains balanced at $794,769 and $417,682, respectively.
Superintendent Larry Crandall reviewed the May 3 ballot, which includes an 18-mill non-homestead renewal.
This property tax does not apply to homestead property owners.
This tax is collected only on businesses and non-homestead property, such as vacation homes.
The initial 10-year levy of 1995 expires this year.
Eighteen mills generates approximately $3.5 million in operating revenue for the district - 17 percent of its total general fund.
The district is requesting a one-year/annual levy to guarantee its ability to levy the full 18 mills on non-homestead property.
Administrative
contracts renewed
Administrative contract renewals occurred for principals and assistant principals Bob Franz, John Pasternak, Dan Smith, Edgar Wilson, Kay Tularak, Mike Frazier, Paul Hartsig and Lin Mallory, supervisors and advocates Dave Daniels, Larry Schmidt and Greg O'Toole, assistant superintendents Peg Stowers and Hal Davis and Curriculum Director Dawn Conner. Sister Lakes Principal Dave Strlekar is retiring after 39 years with the district, as is John Lehigh, who recommended Jerry Rodriquez replace him as summer migrant director.
Rodriquez is currently employed as high school migrant support faculty, Hispanic community liaison and after-school tutor. He has previous experience with Dowagiac's summer program through working closely with Lehigh in previous summers.
Assistant Superintendent Peg Stowers said, "Jerry is closely associated with the Michigan Department of Education offices and attends all required meetings and training. He is also very familiar with required grants and state reporting procedures and forms."
His salary as summer migrant director will be determined after the district receives its summer program allocation.
Stowers also recommended hiring Head Football Coach Mike Stanger as boys varsity track coach, as recommended by Athletic Director Greg Younger. She said he brings six years experience coaching track at his previous school. He will be paid $4,682.