The district’s most recent draft of its budget shows a $60.8 million spending plan that increases real spending 0.6% (see note below) and requires a 3.8% increase in the tax levy. 18 jobs would be lost.
A new budget option proposed at Tuesday night’s school board meeting spares Leighton Elementary. It would also contain a zero percent tax levy increase, using funds from the reserves and surplus to get there.
The occasion was a breakfast meeting between school district officials from around the county and some of the state lawmakers who represent them. The students were not invited, but showed up to seize the opportunity to lobby directly for help to keep their sports, music and arts.
The board of education weighs the pros and cons of the superintendent’s plan, which includes closing an elementary school. Some board members push for other options.
Hannibal taxpayers praised students and denounced the teachers’ union as the district explained again why it may have to cut jobs, sports and music; raise taxes by a large amount; or both.
Several dozen students sat directly in front of the Board of Education, taking up the first five rows of the auditorium. They all wore white t-shirts that bore their new organization’s name: SOS, for “Save Our School”.
All Content Copyright Dot Publishing 2024. All Submissions Become Property of Dot Publishing All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.