The Salem Grade School Board has cut its budget deficit in half from last year. Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says the overall fiscal year budget beginning July first totals $13,484,157 in expenses and $12,715,294 in revenue.
“Not as optimistic as I’d hoped,” Foppe said. “However, the fact that we are improving our deficit with the ending of FY26 at over $1.5 million, and now it’s a deficit of $768,000, we are definitely moving in the right direction.
The district currently has $5,720,987 to cover any shortfall. Foppe will look for other reductions to reduce the deficit further next year.
The reductions this year include a more than $600,000 cut in health insurance costs. Some of the savings will be taken back as a result of a 12.5-percent increase in insurance premiums for the next calendar year. Several reading aide positions were also cut due to less Title 1 funding.
The board was hoping to hold off on replacement of the four heating and air conditioning units at Hawthorn School, but due to air conditioning issues at the start of the school year has moved the project up to this fall. The $226,783 will be paid for from the one cent sales tax collected for school facility expenses.
Foppe reported the resurfacing off the roof at Hawthorn School is complete and they are very happy with the results.
The board also acted on a number of personnel issues. Beth Ann Parker resigned as a paraprofessional effective August 23rd. She had been on paid administrative leave in connection with a fund-raising event held for her daughter who allegedly was not ill as claimed.
The board hired Ashley Wilmoth as paraprofessional and Katie Steffen as assistant girls’ basketball coach. Cara Allison resigned as bowling coach.
