High energy prices hitting current school budget hard

By MIKE WILLIAMS

Patriot Publishing

High energy prices are being felt by most everyone. That includes the school system.

Hannah Biggs, who recently was hired as the school system’s new Director of Finance, provided the monthly budget analysis to the school board during their meeting Wednesday night.

Biggs reported only a couple problems in her budget analysis – both dealing with energy prices.

Through Oct. 31, Biggs reported that transportation costs have risen by slightly over 22 percent.

“Transportation … that’s driven by fuel pricing,” Biggs said. “I’m sure all of us have felt that at the pump ourselves, although we’re seeing a slight dip in pricing here recently.”

Biggs said the school system is operating with “a bunch of diesel for a lot of school busses” and that is incredibly expensive.

Biggs said last year the school system, through October 31st, had spent $805,000 on fuel.

“This year, we’re at $1,000,034. We did also just get our next fuel bill, and it’s higher than the last one we saw. We’re looking at $86,000 for this month for fuel,” Biggs said.

Biggs also highlighted building services, where utility costs like electricity usage fall.

“It is up quite a bit compared to last year. Looking at it in total, prior year we spent $1.8 million as of October 31st. This year we’re at $2.1 million – a 13.58 percent jump.”

Biggs said the energy cost increases represent at $500,000 “risk” to the school budget.

Biggs said in order to mitigate that risk the school system has implemented a spending freeze.

“I am recommending we continue it (spending freeze) for another month until we kind of see some stabilization in these two areas,” Biggs said.

Ingles District representative Gina Paine noted a chance to save energy is fast approaching.

“We do have the holidays coming up soon enough. We turn the lights off, turn the temperature down, close the doors. Less work, less school days for busses to be on the road, so less fuel consumption. So we do have that,” she said.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, Kaci Carden was recognized as Senior of the Month for November! She is the daughter of Amy and Patrick Carden of Dublin.

“If there is one word to describe Kaci, it’s sunshine! Her bright smile, contagious enthusiasm, quick wit, and genuinely kind heart make her a joy to be around. Kaci has a special gift for making others feel welcome and valued, and she is always ready with a friendly greeting, an encouraging word, or a little humor to brighten someone’s day,” stated Superintendent Rob Graham.

Upon graduation, Kaci plans to follow in her brother’s footsteps and go to Rhema Bible Training College to pursue becoming a Youth Minister.  Kaci will also complete the 2026-2027 school year with her cosmetology license.  While she attends college in Oklahoma, she plans to work as a cosmetologist.

Testing dates were set for Fall Standards of Learning tests.

Monday, 12/7 – PCHS Science/Social Studies testers only

Tuesday, 12/8 – PCHS English/Math testers only

Monday, 12/14 – PCMS 7th Civics/8th Science testers only

 

Other dates that will not require testers only days:

Monday, 12/14 – PCHS Science/Social Studies retakes

Tuesday, 12/15 – PCHS English/Math retakes; PCMS make-ups/remediation

Wednesday, 12/16 – PCMS make-ups/remediation

Thursday, 12/17 – PCMS retakes

It was noted this schedule will not impact elementary schools.