Triway finances on target for 2015

TRIWAY DISTRICT -- The Triway treasurer was right on the money with the 2015 budget.

In summarizing the final appropriations for the year, Sue Kruse told the board at a 7:30 a.m. meeting Monday , "the general fund is the same as it was in 2014.

"I was really close to being right on target," Kruse said. "It was very close this year. I'm really excited about that."

Kruse pointed out the district is "following the five-year forecast without any major adjustments."

After discussing "the final step in the budgeting process for 2015," Kruse talked about "another step of Fiscal Year 2016's budgeting cycle," dealing with temporary appropriations.

"This is just to tide us over," she said, until permanent appropriations are approved in September.

The board approved a property, fleet and liability insurance quote of $48,260 from Ohio School Plan, effective July 1, which will actually represent a savings.

"This year we're eligible for a rebate of (about $2,000)," Kruse said, "so this year we'll be paying less."

Lunch prices for adults and for junior high and high school students will increase by 25 cents, putting Triway's costs "more in line with area schools."

Elementary school prices are already in line, she said.

Board member Annette Mast wondered whether the higher price would help the food services' bottom line, but Kruse said the percentage of junior high and high school students purchasing lunch is lower than at the elementary level, a fact that is true for many schools, according to Kruse.

When food services ends the year in the negative, it must be supplemented with general fund money, Kruse added.

Once again, the district opted out of the breakfast program at Franklin Township Elementary School because the buses don't arrive early enough to give students sufficient time to eat breakfast.

Shreve Elementary School Principal Nate Schindewolf led the board meeting in his role as interim superintendent this summer.

Superintendent Dave Rice, who retired and was rehired, will resume the superintendency Aug. 1.

As part of the retire/rehire process, Rice may not legally conduct business for the district during June and July.

Likewise, Franklin Township Elementary School Principal Claudia Stupi retired and is seeking to be rehired in August in the same position with the same protocol.

A required public hearing for her rehiring was scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the Triway High School library.

Reporter Linda Hall can be reached at 330-264-1125, Ext. 2230, or [email protected]. She is @lindahallTDR on Twitter.