By Pat Maurer
Correspondent
The Clare Board of Education discussed the current bond project at their regular meeting September 18. Superintendent Jim Walter reported that 45-50 people attended the last community forum and nearly two-dozen question were answered. The discussion continued, revolving around the November election, added security in the new building and about holding a third community forum in October.
The proposal voters will face in November has been cut back to $49.85 million from the $66 million on the ballot in May that voters turned down, which along with other changes in the proposal, will reduce the proposal by one mill, and add a contribution of $4 million by the BOE beginning with a transfer (once the bond passes) of $670,000 from the general fund.
The new design, outlined in a power point presentation, is two stories in two in two wings with a 30 percent reduction on square footage from the first proposal, and will keep a portion of the existing middle school for future growth. The bond will still build a new high school and renovate the existing high school building to serve as the middle school with the middle school gym converted into an auditorium. 6.10 mills would be levied increasing the current school tax by four mills for 29 years.
More information is available on the school website.
In another matter
Brian Wall of Weinlander Fitzhugh presented the 2022-23 audit to the BOE. His report listed 2023 expenses totaling $20,159,989 and revenues totaling 22,134,024, leaving a positive balance of $1,974,035. The Fund Balance listed for June 30, 2023 totaled $12,000,490, a decrease from the Fund Balance listed for June 30, 2022. Wall reported that the decrease in fund balance of $671,271 was attributable mainly to the purchase of residential properties adjacent to the school.
Other changes included:
The Capital Investments Fund increased by $287,678 attributable to a $125,000 transfer from the general fund and interest earning.
Special Revenue Funds increased by $40,408 due to various food service grant and student activity account fundraisers.
Debt Service Funds increased by $126,298 due to taxes collected and bond interest payments made during the year.
Pioneer Development (Capital Projects) decreased by $208,566 due to cost to build a turf room at Brookwood Athletic Complex.
Other business at the September 18 meeting included:
the board approved a bid award for the Primary School PA system from MOSS totaling $105, 217.58;
Administrative reports;
The first reading of handbook changes;
A report on Spirit Week activities by Student Body President kara Forsberg;
Education Boosters Vice President Pam Mellish reported a book fair planned for November
Approval of bill payable totaling $248,255.60.