Staff writer
Goessel Board of Education approved significant changes to USD 411’s local option budget (LOB) during a budget hearing Monday evening.
“The LOB was raised to 30 percent to maximize the tax relief ordered by the Kansas Supreme Court,” Superintendent John Fast said.
The district’s LOB was previously 27 percent.
“By raising it to 30 percent, the total tax rate levied by the school will drop from 59.89 mills last year to 53.62 this year, also accounting for the bond project,” he said.
USD 411 is in good financial shape overall, Fast said. However, some areas of funding will remain “snug.”
Construction progress
Construction supervisor Chad Henson informed board members that concrete work in front of the high school is complete, but the windows, doors and railings have yet to be installed.
Henson said high school office counters and cabinets should be delivered and installed this week. The resource room and the boys restroom in the elementary school are near completion.
Flooring for the weight room has been ordered, Fast said.
Painting in the art room as well as window and door instillation, almost complete, Fast said. Art room flooring still needs to be installed.
“Steel workers are on their way for west annex entry and storm shelter work,” Fast said. “Window work will be complete by next week and completion of the west annex should be around the end of September.”
In other business:
- Forensics coach Travis Duerksen resigned to take a job with a Mennonite Church in Indonesia.
- The board approved D.J. Freeman as a co-cheerleading coach with Dayna Steinmetz. There is no increase in the programs stipend. Share
- The Sheriff’s department will perform a drill at 8 a.m. Saturday at Goessel Elementary School.
- USD 411 will have an open house on the first day of school Aug. 28. Fast said district enrollment is likely to be up by six students.