OAKLAND CITY—East Gibson school trustees are considering how to reduce expenditures in 2015.
Supt. Mike Brewster reported at Monday night’s meeting that declining enrollment means the district’s expenses are about $254,000 above its revenue.
In 2015, East Gibson’s tax rate will be 75 cents, a penny per $100 assessed valuation less than 2014’s 76 cents. The district’s assessed valuation increased from $272.4 million last year to $283.1 million this year.
Brewster said EGSC has received all the appropriations proposed in the budget, and he would investigate saving options that wouldn’t put studies into jeopardy.
Brewster mentioned about a textbook rental fee. Textbooks are purchased through East Gibson’s general fund and provided free to students.
“East Gibson is possibly the only school in the state with no textbook rental fee,” Brewster said, making note that a couple districts receive textbook money through riverboat casinos.
He speculated that an annual textbook rental rate wouldn’t exceed 25 percent of curricular materials. For example, a six-year-old textbook with a retail cost of about $64 would have a textbook rental fee of about $16. There would be differences with consumable and non-consumable (e-books) workbooks, and fees could be increased over time.
“It’s only a recommendation at this time,” Brewster said, adding he would propose costs at the next two meetings and ask for a textbook rental fee plan in the spring.