Key Points About the Hartland School Budget

The Hartland Board of Education approved the 2011-12 budget Monday — including $48.1 million for its general fund — in a 4-0 vote. Board President Kevin Kaszyca, Board Vice President Charlie Aberasturi and Trustee Robert Perkins were absent.

Here are some key points:

• CLASS SIZES COULD INCREASE: Some classes in grades 7-12 could have 35 students, which would be an increase from a maximum of 31 this past year. This is a result of eliminating seven teacher positions and not hiring back about a dozen year-long subs used this year, officials said.
• ELEMENTARY FINE ARTS PROGRAM QUESTION UNRESOLVED: The district migh make music and art half-time classes in Hartland's four elementary schools, with two teachers in each department covering two buildings. But officials said if the district qualifies for additional state money under incentives, the numbers might not change.
• ATHLETICS, LUNCH COSTS TO REMAIN THE SAME: Pay-to-play costs will continue to be $175 per sport while lunch prices — frozen since about 2005-06 — won't change.
• POSSIBLE OUTSOURCING: Food service is expected to be competitively bid. Officials say the program actually brings in money for the district and has done so for 20 some years, but they are planning to explore the question in hopes of qualifying for additional state funding.
• PAY CUTS: Most employees, including teachers and administrators are slated to receive a 2.7 percent pay cut. If could be as high as 4 percent, if the district doesn't qualify for additional funding as expected.
• DRAINING SURPLUS To preserve many programs, officials will spend nearly $2.2 million in its savings to cover lost revenue from state cuts. This is expected to reduce the rainy day fund from about $4.6 million to $2.4 million.
• FUTURE RED INK: Officials project needing an additional $3 million, $2.3 million and $1.5 million over the next three years to stay in the black if the state economy doesn't improve and if state funding trends continue.