HOWARD – Superintendent Steve Larcomb of the East Knox Local School District wants parents, students and community members to know about changes as the new school year begins next week. In the August EK newsletter Larcomb says the district has hired 11 teachers, 2 bus drivers, an elementary cook, and school nurse.
Regarding district finances, Larcomb says the district has avoided the immediate designation of fiscal emergency this summer through continued prudent management of expenses this past school year. The district finished the year spending less money than was brought in. “I assure you it’s pretty much impossible these days to balance our budget between unfunded or underfunded state and federal mandates and the fact that East Knox has not passed an operating levy that is still on the books since 1984,” said Larcomb.
Most of the district’s savings the past two years has been the result of teaching staff retiring or seeking employment elsewhere. The state has proven elusive in the last eighteen months or so. State officials continue to monitor the district through meetings with the treasurer, superintendent and board members as they wait to see if the community passes a levy and financially right the district. Larcomb says it is his perception that the state does not want to take over East Knox any more than we want them here. However, EK has been placed in fiscal watch, which is just one step from fiscal emergency.
To address EK finances the school board approved a November ballot issue which will involve a combination of income and property taxs. Specifically, the board approved aballot placement of a 0.5% earned income tax in combination with a 3.90 mill property tax.
To view a financial presentation and access financial documents for the district visiti www.ekschools.org. Board members are Kathy Frere, president; Don Lemley, vice-president; Larry Campbell, Warren Edstrom and Christy Keffer.
