The Poplar Bluff R-1 School Board approved the 2023-2024 district budget in its regular June meeting on Thursday, June 22.
The budget forecasts an operating revenue at $62.67 million with operating expenses of $59.47 million, for projected surplus of $1.7 million.
Capital projects are budgeted at $7.5 million, with estimated capital revenue of $5.8 million for a shortfall of $1.7 million, which will be covered by a transfer from the district’s Fund 1 balance.
Thursday night marked the last meeting for two retirees, Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill and Assistant Superintendent for Finance Dr. Amy Jackson.
Board president Ken Davis concluded the meeting by thanking Jackson for her service and paying honor to Dill for bringing the district through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dill was unable to attend the meeting due to family obligations out of town. Incoming Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman will officially begin his tenure on July 1, which marks the beginning of the new school year.
Financial matters constituted the bulk of June business, with the board approving the eighth payment of $158,579.07 to CE Norton Construction for the Junior High School Activity Center.
The board approved the fund transfers and amendment authorization of $2,739,843.35 to offset capital projects deficits for current and future building and maintenance projects.
One of those projects now underway is the Culinary Arts expansion at the Technical and Career Center. The board approved payments of $8,569.05 to Zoellner Construction and $7,211.50 to Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.
Office Depot of Austin, Texas, was awarded the district paper bid for the low bid of $33.28 per case for an annual price of $27,961.60.
Other submitted bids were: Contract Paper Group, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio ($34.95 — $28,358); Veriitiv Operating Company, Jacksonville, Florida ($34.95 — $28,358); and Southeast Signs and Graphics, Poplar Bluff, Missouri ($37.96 — $31,886.40).
In personnel matters, the board approved a grant-funded position for a school-based therapist to work at Mark Twain School along with an extra-duty stipend for an in-house person to coach junior high softball. Both of those positions will still need to be filled.
In old business, the board approved the rest of the items covered at last week’s work session, which included manual/handbook revisions for 2023-24, board of education goals, the district mission statement, graphic & trademark guidelines and the 2023-24 board meeting schedule.
Poplar Bluff Senior High will welcome three new foreign exchange students next year, which the board also approved. The students hail from Thailand, Taiwan and Finland, adding international diversity to the student body.
The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 20.