NEVC board adopts budget and begins work on CSIP

Saturday, July 2, 2016
NEVC board members, staff and patrons were on hand to provide suggestions for improving the school system this coming year as well as five and 10 years down the road. This is part of the Community School Improvement Program. The board will examine ideas montlhy with further public meetings in December and next spring. Johannes Brann/Daily Mail

Nevada Daily Mail

"Revenues go up and down, whether from local taxes or from the state," said NEVC superintendent, Charles Naas, in comments prior to a special board meeting Wednesday. "But my job and that of the board is to see to it that things remain relatively level. We need to pay the bills, buy only what we need and put something away for the future."

Naas began by comparing the 2015-16 budget with that of the prior year.

"When compared to the previous year, revenues during the 2015-16 budget year went up a surprising $149,000 with about half of that coming from the state," said Naas. "That revenue increase allowed us to put some money into fixtures that will produce energy savings in the years ahead. Sometimes I feel like a dad in this building, I'm always going around switching off lights."

After taking a few questions, the finalized budget for 2015-16 received unanimous approval. The superintendent then passed out the proposed 2016-17 budget.

"I wish I could report that revenues are projected to take another $149,000 jump but that is not the case," said Naas. "In fact, compared to last year, our revenues for 2016-17 are going down by $68,000 but that means they'll still be about $85,000 higher than 2014-15. Our expenditures will increase by a modest $5,000."

"We are having issues with two of our older buses, especially one of them," said Naas. "So I put $45,000 aside to be used for the lease/purchase of a good used bus if we can find one. Fund 4, which is capital expenditures, also has $20,000 for 'operation of plant.' Between our two buildings, we always have something giving us a problem."

"What about hiring a company to provide bus service as some of the other small districts do in our area?" asked board member, Bill Alexander.

"When the economy was good, those bus companies didn't want to touch the smaller districts," said board member, David Bruce. "But as soon as the economy took that downturn, they suddenly wanted the small school's business."

"As much of a headache as buses can be -- and they are -- it's a lot smaller of a problem than being at the mercy of a transportation company," said Naas. "And that's a problem that other districts in the area are facing."

With the conclusion to the review, the board gave unanimous approval to the proposed 2016-17 budget.

The board went into closed session to discuss the possible hiring of several staff.

The board resumed open session in order to begin the Community School Improvement Program. Besides Naas and board members Bill Alexander, Gina Ensor, Connie Gerster, David Bruce and board president, Robert Fox, eight others came for the CSIP process.

"It's so easy to get caught up in all the day-to-day things it takes to manage a classroom, let alone a school district with two buildings," said Naas. "But CSIP challenges every part of this district -- taxpayer, parents, staff, administrators and board to lift our eyes and do some planning and dreaming for this next year and for five and 10 years down the road."

CSIP is part of the state's accountability system for reviewing and accrediting public school districts.

"The master document we want to produce and put into effect seeks to ensure that our graduates are college ready, job ready and ready to take on the world," said Naas. "The board has previously met and put together a sheet of some 50 suggestions, broken down into one, five and 10 year categories. What I'm asking all of you to do is read their list, cross off those unimportant to you and add those you think we need to be doing."

After doing just that, Naas asked participants to share twice. The first round gave people a chance to share two items from their lists of goals. The second round of sharing came with a pleasant caveat.

"If money were no object, what is the one thing you'd like to see done for our school?" asked Naas.

Eyes lit up and suggestions mixed with enthusiasm poured out from everyone present. The suggestion of new facilities got more "Amens" than do most preachers. A series of ideas came in rapid fire.

* "At the elementary, we need to restore art and have a program for advanced students."

* "We sure could use air conditioning in the gym."

* "I'd like to see improved science labs and hire a grant writer to help us fund our ideas."

But then came suggestions with a story.

* "We have a number of young elementary students who don't qualify for special education but they badly need help with their reading and numbers. They need individualized attention so they don't fall further behind. After all, if you can't read or grasp basic numbers you are not going to be able to learn much of anything else."

* "On the first day of school, I wish we could give each child a backpack filled with all the school supplies they're going to need. Our teachers are some of the lowest paid in the area and yet, each year, out of their own pockets, they buy supplies and each winter they buy coats and gloves for some students."

* "I don't know if you realize it but within the state graduation requirements, we could customize the education of each student in this district. I mean, since students are not all the same, why should their education be the same? I want us to give them the education that fits their needs."

When the last suggestions were made, board member, Bill Alexander addressed the superintendent.

"Mr. Naas, please put CSIP on the board agenda every month during the 2016-17 year. There were some great ideas here and I want us really to work on this."

With a pleased look on his face, Superintendent Naas said, "We shall!"

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