November 2024

The finance committee recently met. This meeting consisted of school administration and two board members. The idea of having a finance committee is to help the trustees better understand our district’s financial operations. Currently the district is considering buying a new bus in a year or two. The first bus quote we have received had a 77% increase over the price of the most recent purchase in 2022. We are considering replacing our 2012 bus, but at this price we will likely have to consider other options. We are waiting to hear from other bus dealers so we have quotes to compare.

  We are also looking at ways we can afford to update technology needs in the school without having a technology levy. In order to have a levy for the technology fund, we would need to have the voters approve the levy in a school election. It is my understanding that this has never been done at Vaughn School in the past. Considering property taxes have increased about 15% in Montana the past two years, having voters approve a levy is likely going to be difficult.  Without a technology levy, we have to find the funds for IT services, computers and network equipment in other funds as the technology fund currently only has $4,197 in it and no revenue to service the fund. Other areas that were discussed involved staffing, grants, and costs associated with operating the colony school. A report will be given at the November school board meeting.

Have a great month and a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Mr. Dunk