The St. Ignace Board of Education approved a revised budget with a $212,923 deficit for the 2009-2010 school year at its Monday, November 9, meeting. Amended from the original budget adopted in May, the budget now takes into account changes in funding owing to the State of Michigan's budget process. Revenues of $5,866,782 are expected for the year, an increase of $39,032 from the revenues assumed in the original budget.

This increase is largely in federal funding, which amounts to $917,844.

The $212,923 deficit, which is $72,440 less than the deficit assumed in May, will come out of the school district's general fund balance, which expected to be reduced from $797,696 to $584,733 after this school year.

"We are in a pretty good financial position, even though there have been some tough times," Superintendent Mike Springsteen said.

A change in the way the State of Michigan counts the number of students in the district will minimize some of the state's school budget cuts, since a three-year blend will be used instead of a two-year blend. This change, which averages the number of students during the last three years, gave St. Ignace funding for 16 more students than are currently enrolled.

Expenses were also reduced by $33,408 in the revised budget approved by the board.

Several community members have been invited to attend a citizens advisory committee meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, at the St. Ignace Middle School Library. The meeting's aim is to get input from the community about how to effectively fund school programs in the difficult financial situation districts across the state find themselves in.

"We want to know what the things are that the community can do to assist," Mr. Springsteen said. "I think it will be an interesting meeting." The group will discuss the district's last 8 to 10 years, current revenue sources, and cuts that are being made and may need to be made in the future, he said.

Middle School Eligibility

Change Considered The St. Ignace Middle School is considering a change to its athletic

eligibility requirements, Principal Gregg Fettig reported at Monday's meeting.

The proposed change would require students to receive passing grades each quarter instead of each semester to play any school sports.

"Students would be more accountable," Mr. Springsteen said. "The idea is it will help kids make sure they are able to pass their classes."

A group of teachers at the Middle School is working on the idea, Mr. Fettig said, although the wording must be discussed and the school will seek approval from the Michigan High School Athletic Association before recommending the change to the school board.