By CHRIS JACKETT
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK – The school district’s budget is set and balanced for the 2010-11 academic year, which began July 1.
However, like many districts throughout the state, Allen Park Public Schools had to achieve that goal by dipping into its fund balance. After taking out just $47 in 2009-10, about $877,000 was taken out for 2010-11, which will drop the balance to $1.23 million by June 30, 2011.
The district’s revenue this year is $30.76 million and expenses $31.64 million.
The $1.19 million revenue decline comes largely in part from decreased federal funding from $1.79 million to $1.06 million. A $643,000 increase in state revenue – to $26.65 million – was not enough to offset the large loss in federal funding, a small local revenue decrease and an even smaller incoming transfer decrease.
Although total revenue took a $1.19 million dive, total expenditures decreased just $314,000.
Some of the biggest changes affected basic programs, added needs and student support services. Funding for additional needs was cut $240,000 to $3.08 million. Other areas seeing declines include instructional staff, operations and maintenance, student transportation services, central services and transfers out.
Several departments saw increases, however. Basic programs saw a $461,000 hike in spending, putting its total at $17.86 million. Student support services also increased $338,000, to $1.86 million. General administration, school administration, business services and community services also experienced small increases.
Calls and e-mails to Finance Director Debbie Lee seeking comment for this story were not returned by press time.
(Contact Chris Jackett at [email protected])