School board looks at 2010-2011 budget tonight

Members of the Maricopa Unified School District’s governing board will meet tonight at the district’s administration building at 5 p.m. for a study session followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

The study session will present an opportunity for various reports to the board, including the following:

· APS energy presentation
· Genesis student information system
· High school sports
· Review of middle school handbooks
· School improvement plan for Maricopa Wells Middle School and its feeder schools
· Initial report on Maricopa Wells Middle School

During the regular session, and in addition to the usual approval of expense vouchers and personnel changes, board members will hear the first reading of various district policies regarding the duties and evaluation of the superintendent, personnel and staff hiring, as well as staff discipline and dismissal policies.

Business Director Aron Rausch will present the 2010-2011 budget for discussion prior to the board’s potential approval of the proposed budget. Rausch will also give the monthly financial report and a presentation on the November override election.

Originally passed in May 2005, an override would seek to maintain funding at the existing assessed valuation levy. If not continued, that funding is reduced by one third each year for two years and then expires in 2012-2013. An override levies no new taxes and is different from a bond, which is used to build structures with capital funds.

During the March 9 override election, the measure was defeated by only 20 votes:
No: 1,408
Yes: 1,388
Total votes: 2,796

District construction-related items will also come before the board. Members will be asked to approve a construction manager at risk for the new maintenance/warehouse facility, the guaranteed maximum price for the high school performing arts building, Maricopa Wells Middle School courtyard improvements and an architectural services proposal extension.

Click here to see the complete agenda for both the study session and regular session.

If you go:
What:  MUSD governing board study session and regular meeting
When:  Wednesday, June 23 (study session at 5 p.m.; regular session at 6 p.m.)
Where:  MUSD district administration building, 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Gran

Photo by Joyce Hollis