MFISD balances budget with increased spending planned on security, instruction and plant maintenance

By Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

The Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees passed a $37 million balanced budget for the 2014-2015 school year at a special meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28. The plan allows for the district to spend more than $686,000 than last school year.

As promised in May during the bond election, property taxes will stay the same as last year: $1.28 per $100 property valuation.

The $37 million of revenues from state, local and federal sources will match the district’s expected expenditures, confirmed Lisa LeMon, MFISD director of business operations on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

 “It’s always ultimately our goal to pass a balanced budget, which we’ve done for at least the past two or three years,” LeMon said. “It should be noted that we seldom reach the full amount budgeted.”

She explained that the MFISD budget is much like a homeowner’s in that the district might end up spending more in one area and less in another, depending on circumstances that arise throughout the school year.

At least $636,000 of the increased spending is because of a 2 percent pay raise all district teachers and staff will see in their paychecks, which was approved by the board of trustees at their July 21 meeting. 

For the full story, see Friday's Highlander.