Diane Raver
There is some “distressing news for Sunman-Dearborn schools,” superintendent Dr. Jeff Hendrix told about 30 meeting attendees Jan. 14.
“Each month we receive a pay stub from the state of Indiana, a statement that says how much money the state is going to give us to operate our schools .… (For 2010) it’s not very good news for us.
“The general fund, which includes salaries and benefits .... utilities are in there and also supplies” will be about 10 percent less than what was advertised and what was approved. “That’s a problem,” he stressed.
Hendrix had director of financial operations Charles Blake put together a fund history report over the last few years. “At the beginning of 2007, we had $1 million in the general fund .... In 2008, we were in the negative” about $178,000, and 2009 began with a $1.4 million deficit. The current year will begin with a $1.8 million deficiency.
“We’ve been able to get the other funds back into the black, but the general fund is in the red, and we can’t get that out .... As we move forward, we need to turn the deficit around.
“We have cut come memberships, utility costs .... We’re looking at all possibilities .... Two avenues include looking at referendums and negotiations with teachers.”
However, “we are not the only ones in this situation. If you go on the Internet,” there are other Hoosier school districts that have also had to make cuts, the superintendent revealed.
“As we look at our bottom line, it’s a 10 percent cut .... If we don’t do anything, we’ll probably double it (the deficit) by the end of the year.
“Making tough decisions not only affects you, but affects me as well .... Every school I’ve worked at, I’ve lived in the district” and have children in the schools. “We have to be good stewards of our finances .... the state requires us to be in the black and we need to do what we can to get there.
“We either have to grow the district or make changes in other ways to meet our financial obligations. I don’t take that lightly .… This isn’t a popularity contest. It’s about our future in our school system .... (and) the decisions the board members have to make won’t make them popular.”
Hendrix also added, “We will continue to educate folks on the budget and will have public meetings.
“We’ve got a tough road ahead of us .... This economy isn’t going to turn around this year. It doesn’t look like it will turn around for another four or five years.”
