Holcomb reviews state budget cuts

HOLCOMB, Mo. -- The Holcomb Board of Education discussed recent state budget cuts and how it would affect the district during the Board of Education meeting on Thursday.

Superintendent Jeff Bullock said he recently received an e-mail from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education saying that the current state budget would be funded at 98 percent, as opposed to the 100 percent funding that it normally gets.

Bullock said when the district was working on the budget last year, they anticipated some cuts so the two percent cut would not affect the district.

"Even if they come back and cut us another two percent, we still won't have to readjust the budget," Bullock said.

Also in his report, Bullock said that the state bus inspections were held last week and there were a few minor flaws. He added that all of the district's buses are now "up and running," and commended Fleet Director Rick Peters for the work he does.

"Rick does an excellent job," Bullock said.

In the final portion of his report, Bullock said the district was recently invited to participate in the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament, beginning next year. He said that the district would have to drop out of the Campbell Christmas Tournament and the Bloomfield tournament would be for an initial two-year contract.

Prior to the Bullock's report, the board heard reports from the district's other administrators.

In the high school report, Principal Ashley McMillian said he wanted to commend Coach Seth McBroom and the boys basketball team for the improvements they made since last season. He said the team went from two wins last year to 12 wins this year.

McMillian then said that all the teachers are working hard as they are getting ready for the fourth quarter and testing season.

In the elementary report, Principal Jason Skelton said the school has an excellent turnout for Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, March 11, and he got a lot of "positive feedback" from the teachers.

In the special education report, Director Lisa Buchanan said she recently received an e-mail from the state about Parents As Teachers funding, asking the district to cut back on visits and see only the 0-3-year-old age groups. She said the district will be going to see as many of the younger children as possible.

An update on the district's Accountability Plan was given by Curriculum Director Pam Lowe, who said the teachers are working on "Classroom Instruction That Works," and are seeing growth as the children go into the next grade level.

In other matters, the board:

* Approved use of the district's cafeteria for the Summer Ball Program, the Booster Club, and the Class of 2000 reunion, and;

* Heard a presentation from Mrs. Kelly Smith who is planning a mock census and several lessons for the school.

The board closed the meeting by adjourning to executive session.

The details of the executive session were unavailable at press time.