WV board passes new budget

The West Valley School District board of directors unanimously passed the 2009-2010 budget this week, finalizing $1.2 million in cuts that have been worked on for months.

There were no last-minute surprises in the budget, which calls for spending $35.5 million in the general fund, compared to $36.4 million in the 2008-2009 budget. The district is making every effort not to dip into its cash reserves, said Deputy Superintendent Doug Matson. “Our goal is to maintain a 5 percent reserve,” he said.

Enrollment is expected to dip slightly this year to 3,675 full-time equivalent students, a drop of eight students.

The cuts include cutting the after-school activity buses on Fridays, eliminating a security position and trimming support staff. A transportation fee for high school sports and extracurricular activities was also added.