Daniel Boone preparing to unveil 2014-15 budget draft [Reading Eagle, Pa.]

Oct. 29--The Daniel Boone School Board is laying the groundwork for its big reveal of the 2014-15 budget draft next month.

Like last year, the board directed the administration to put together a balanced budget by November to guide its budget discussions.

The budget plan, which will likely include drastic proposals regarding cuts and taxes, will be revealed at the board's Nov. 13 finance committee meeting.

Dr. Gary L. Otto, the district's superintendent, said it will once again be a very interesting process.

"The picture is not getting any prettier," he said. "No one wants to raise taxes, no one wants to use fund balance and no one wants to cut programs, but something has to give."

Board President Andrew G. Basile said the district is anticipating a $3.6 million deficit and will need to find creative ways to fill that hole.

"A lot of the same suggestions from the past will be up again for consideration," he said.

The district will also post a powerpoint presentation regarding five-year projections on its website today (www.dboone.org).

The presentation will not include any specific financial information, but does contain statistics regarding the district's enrollment estimates for the future and how it compares with other Berks County districts.

Assistant Business Manager Mark Boyer said residents will find the district is the third-poorest in the county, has the highest-paid teachers and owns the seventh-highest tax rate.

"It really opens your eyes as to why we are where we are," board member Walter P. Sheehan said.

Several board members urged residents to come out to meetings, or at least listen to the recordings on the website, to stay abreast of the budget discussions and understand why certain suggestions are being made.

Resident Shane Kochel also asked the board to post more information regarding compensation amounts for administrators.

Last spring the district posted a listing of each teacher and their total compensation, which includes benefits, retirement and insurance, on its website. Kochel also asked for a clearer breakdown between salary and benefits for the teachers' information.

In other business, the board approved of the resignation of Karen Long, coordinator of instructional services, effective Nov. 8.

Long, former Amity Primary Center assistant principal, will be leaving Daniel Boone to join the Brandywine Heights School District as an elementary/intermediate schools assistant principal.

The board also approved the transfer of Long's replacement, Andrea Eckenroad. Eckenroad currently serves as a special education learning coach in the district and will take over Long's position on Nov. 11 at a salary of $70,000.

Otto said Eckenroad's position will not be filled, allowing the district to save $52,084.

The board is also actively working to hire a new business manager and is in the beginning stages of hiring a replacement for Otto, who is set to retire at the end of 2013.

Contact Stephanie Weaver: 610-371-5042 or [email protected].

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