School System Budget

  How much is the county budget and where does the money go?  For this year the general fund budget is $11,012,363. Of this money: 92% goes for salaries, 3% for utilities, 1% for insurance, 1% for non-teaching supplies, 1% bus replacement, 1% for lease/purchases.  This leaves 1% for all other required purchases.

  How does the Board decide where the money is to go?  A budget is developed in the spring of each year. It is based on school system needs, state requirements and public input.  The first requirement, of course, is to pay the required expenses for the next year.  

  If the budget is so tight, how come we see funds being spent on things not required, like additional computers, building improvements, etc.?  While we have a set budget Hardy County Schools works hard to supplement this with local, state and federal grants.  These are used to provide additional materials and opportunities for our students that we would not normally be able to afford.  However, this money is specifically “earmarked” for these projects.  The Board of Education cannot “take” it and to use to buy other things we would like or to pay our basic bills.  We are grateful for each of these grants, and actively seek them out, and use the funds to provide a better, safer education for our students.    

  Does the school system have to have a balanced budget?  Yes. The school system is probably the only government or state agency required to do so. If there is a continuing “deficit” – overspending your budget – the WV State Department of Education has the power to step in and require a balanced budget.  They can remove power from the local school system and make all the decisions.

  What is the personnel formula?  This is the number of educators and service personnel permitted in the county, based upon our enrollment, that the state will fund. Any employees over this “formula” are required to be paid for out of the funds that could be used for other items such as teaching materials, school repairs, field trips etc.

  Where does Hardy County stand with regard to the personnel formula?  Last year we were the only county in the state that was “at” formula in both educators and service personnel.  This year we are at formula for educators and one over formula for service personnel.  This was caused by the employment of a teacher’s aide who was required by law – and not funded in the formula.

  We are growing in enrollment, doesn’t this help?  Yes and no.  The funds we receive this year are based on the enrollment for last year.  We grew by over 50 students; this requires several teachers, more materials, and even an additional portable classroom to handle the growth.  The state does provide some special funds for counties that are growing in enrollment.  However, the amount provided is about $65,000 short of what is needed for this year – $65,000 that again must come from other areas such as supplies, maintenance, etc.

  Will Hardy County School be out of the deficit this year?  Tremendous steps were taken last year.  The deficit was reduced from $292,000 to $77,000.  Eliminating the deficit for this year must be accomplished.  Additional “cuts” in the budget was made this year – some of them not very popular.  However, the law says the budget must be balanced.  It is still too early to tell if our plans to balance the budget will succeed this year.  Unexpected expenses arise all the time – not the least of which is the continuing cost of gas and fuel oil.  However, all indicators are showing that the deficit will be eliminated by spring.