Kent Board of Education budget is on track in 2006

Danielle Toth

The Kent Board of Education released its monthly financial summary last night at its meeting.

As of Feb. 28, the Kent City School District had $9.5 million remaining, which Treasurer Deborah Krutz said is about where the district should be.

“The current interest rate’s increase is good for us,” Kurtz said. “We will continue to take advantage of this rise in rates.”

Energy Manager Tom Condit presented the district’s energy savings since partnering with Saving Energy with Education Inc.

The district has already saved about $305,477 since it began the partnership in May 2004, and projects to save $2.5 million overall by the time the two-year contract expires.

“By tackling the little things, we were able to save a great amount of money,” Condit said.

The board presented a plaque to Herb Slone for compiling Theodore Roosevelt’s athletic records into one large book, enabling the athletic department to create banners for tournament championships.

“I appreciate the willingness of the board to let parents get involved.,” Slone said. “I hope when kids see the banners, they want to add their numbers to it.”

The board renewed the agreement between the Portage County Educational Services Center and the Kent Board of Education for 2007 and 2008. In the agreement, the board plans to provide educational services for the city, and the center agrees to continue allocating funds toward the district.

The board also approved:

– summer school rates

– tax levies beginning with the next fiscal year in July 2006

– personnel changes for the 2005-2006 school year

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 18 at Davey Elementary School at 196 N. Prospect St. in Kent.

Contact public affairs reporter Danielle Toth at [email protected].