WV board approves nearly $67 million budget

The West Valley School Board on Wednesday unanimously approved a budget of just under $67 million, based on a projected enrollment of 3,474.

Last year’s budget was just more than $62 million based on an enrollment of 3,563.

About $31.8 million of this year’s budget is for general fund expenditures and $30.7 million is earmarked for capital projects, with most of the money going to the completion of the West Valley High School remodeling project.

The remaining budget items include debt service of $3.8 million, associated student body fund at $499,691 and transportation vehicle fund of $129,698.

Doug Matson, deputy superintendent, said the district will continue to apply for grant money that aligns with the district’s programs.

The budget is higher this year partly because of the state Legislature’s approval of cost of living and benefit increases for staff. More than 81 percent of the district’s general fund is spent on salaries and benefits.

The district will maintain last year’s reserve fund of $2.1 million, set at 8 percent, and above the state average of 7.5 percent.