TR R-X approves temporary budget

The Twin Rivers R-X School Board approved a budget Thursday night that is expected to change in coming months.

Board President Billy Watson said they approved the same budget that the district had for the 2019-20 school year.

That budget had an expected $9.59 million in revenue and $9.75 million in expenditures.

In December, the board approved the audit for the 2018-19 school year, which saw a $856,000 deficit in spending.

The district is between superintendents with incoming superintendent Dr. Ben Johnson starting next month. However, the budget needed approval in June.

Watson said he expects the budget to change when Johnson gets in and can work on it. It will need board approval.

The board also did not approve any raises or salary steps “due to the seriousness of our financial situation,” Watson added.

He also expects that decision to be revisited when more information is available about state and federal funding for the next year.

The board previously created a budget committee to review the district’s finances and make proposals for better spending. It includes board members, administration and members of the public.