By Amanda Foust
With 2015 nearing an end, the Carmel Clay Schools budget is coming up about $1 million short in covering personnel costs for the year. Fortunately, the new state funding formula passed by the Indiana legislature earlier this year is helping bridge that gap.
The school board on Oct. 26 discussed additional appropriations to the 2015 budget of $1.02 million for the general fund, which includes personnel costs, and $880,000 for the referendum fund.
“Most of the additional appropriation needed is for salary schedule increases and the teacher performance bonuses, which were awarded after the budget was approved,” said Roger McMichael, CCS associate superintendent for business affairs.
The teacher performance bonuses are based on an evaluation rubric provided by the state called RISE. Teachers are rated as highly effective, effective, needs improvement or ineffective based on a list of criteria that includes observation, objective measures such as classroom test scores and more. CCS received a state grant that helps pay for teacher bonuses based on an effective and highly effective performance.
Salary increases also led to the need for boosting the budget, as employees are expected to receive a 2 percent raise.
“The school board determines the amount for all employees, except teachers,” McMichael said. “Teacher [increases]are determined by a collective bargaining process.”
The school board will hold a public hearing on the appropriations Nov. 23 at its next regular meeting.
The school board held a regular meeting Oct. 26 and discussed several items.
What happened: The Carmel Clay School Board approved the 2016 budgets, capital projects fund plan and 12 year bus replacement plan.
What this means: At the Sept. 28 meeting, these plans were presented to the board and to the public. The budget will now be sent to the state for approval.
What happened: The board approved course changes for the 2016-17 school year.
What this means: There will be additional classes, such as AP Computer Science Principles and Hebrew III, as well as modifications in previous courses offered for the next school year.
What happened: The board approved change orders for the chiller replacement at Smoky Row Elementary and roof replacement at Mohawk Trails Elementary.
What this means: These are close-out change orders. The projects will have a contingency allowance in the event there are unforeseen issues.
