Norwood’s School Board went over the 2008-09 budget last month, and will vote on whether or not to approve it in June. According to school superintendent Dave Crews, this year’s expenditures are similar to last year’s, except for increases in the transportation and utilities costs.
“We’re starting to feel the national economic pinch, too,” said Crews.
Last year, the school budgeted just $24,000 for gas and oil for the buses and vans that transport students to class and to games. This year, with gas prices across the country averaging more than $4 per gallon, they are allotting $45,000.
“Hopefully it doesn’t have to be that much,” said Crews.
Natural gas is also a big expense, due to increasing fuel costs. The school budgeted $55,000 for heating this year.
Increases in fuel costs are trickling down to other sectors of the economy, like food. The same wallet woes families are experiencing as they buy groceries are shared by the school as they try to provide nutritious, affordable lunches and breakfasts. The school board will also be asked to consider a modest increase in the costs of lunches and breakfasts in 2008-09. Breakfast has been one dollar, but could go up to $1.15. Elementary school lunches have been $1.55, and could go up to $1.75. Middle school and high school lunches have been two dollars, but could cost $2.25 next year. Adults currently pay $2.75 for lunch, but could pay three dollars next year. Milk has been 35 cents, but would cost 40 cents under the proposed price increases.
The Department of Education has already approved the price increases, and Norwood School Board will give the final OK on the plan this summer.
Despite higher fuel, transportation and food costs, the school will still be able to boost its programs and wages. The mil levy approved last year gave Crews a little more wiggle room in  the budget; teachers received a 4 percent raise, and programs like gifted and talented, dual credit (where high school students earn college credit), and the response to intervention (where teachers are able to meet the special needs of students) are thriving.
“The mil levy has provided better salaries for our staff, and allowed us to enhance our programs,” said Crews. “This kind of money really helps.”
The overall budget is approximately $4.2 million, including the $1.2 cash reserves. A decade or so ago, the school had little in reserve, said Crews. But the recent administrations have been more prudent, putting away some money each year so that the school will be prepared for future economic problems, capital needs, or sudden increases in student numbers.
“We’re solid now,” said Crews. “Especially in these kinds of times.”