District 191 board approves budget framework
The Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School Board voted 6-1 Feb. 21 to approve a general fund budget plan for 2013-14.
No cuts are proposed in the plan, which raises general-fund spending from $111.76 million this school year to $114.97 million next year.
The proposal relies on general fund reserves to bridge an estimated $4.82 million gap between revenue and spending.
The proposal is a framework that precedes formal budget adoption, which is required by June 30.
Board Member Paula Teiken cast the lone vote against the plan. She said she’s concerned about the plan’s shift of $1 million in special education salaries to the general fund and whether special education will get enough money.
Teiken also said the plan doesn’t reflect the board’s interest – based on improved revenue forecasts – for restoring some staffing that had previously been cut.
She cast the lone “yes” vote on her motion to table the budget plan.
“It’s just a framework,” Board Member Jim Schmid said, adding that changes can be made before final adoption.
“I can only see us adding staff,” he said.
