Rainier SD reports February spending increases and reopens budget committee recruitment

The Rainier School District finance presenter reported February expenses of $739,288 — roughly $30,000 more than the same month last year — attributed mainly to payroll and purchased services such as contracted substitute staff and special education services. She said budget transfers of $935,000 have been completed and that about 44% of general fund expenses are for instruction. The estimated ending fund balance was reported as approximately $2,358,064 and an interim audit is scheduled to begin in April.

Superintendent Hatrick noted the short legislative session produced some summer-school funding: an initial attempt at $50 million was reduced and $30 million was approved; the Oregon Department of Education will develop a prioritized list for distributing those funds and the district awaits that list. Hatrick said he was "hoping Rainier will be on that list."

The board re-announced four budget committee vacancies and encouraged interested community members to apply online; some board members discussed outreach and an incentive of providing dinner if the board received four applications that month.