Ferguson-Florissant Board to Vote on Final 2013-2014 Budget

With the 2012-2013 school year behind it, the Ferguson-Florissant Board of Education will turn its attention toward the 2013-2014 school year, including a final draft of the budget.

The board will look toward approving a final draft of the budget after recent months of concern regarding a shortfall that could be as large as $10 million.

The district has begun taking a number of steps to reduce the deficit, including making cuts, instituting new policies as well as looking for a tax levy from district residents. The board last month approved a 75-cent tax levy  per $100 assessed valuation proposition for the Aug. 6 election.

The deficit has to do with issues at the local, state and federal level. For example, Boeing’s property valuation decreased, which will result in $1.5 million in tax revenues not being received in the district. Other issues relate to decline in state aid, the rise in health care costs and the decline of residential property in the St. Louis County area.

The board will also consider bus bids, the food service contract and student lunch fees during the meeting.

The meeting will take place at the Administration Center at 7 p.m.