BY STACI WILSON

Blue Ridge school directors got their first look at some preliminary numbers for next year’s budget at the workshop meeting held Monday, Feb. 23.

Superintendent Robert McTiernan presented the board with projected expenditures, without salaries or benefits, for the 2015-16 school term, based on last year’s budget and year-to-date spending. The starting point allowed for flat funding from the state.

McTiernan said adjustments were made in line items areas that had been both over- and under-budgeted in the current school budget.

With repairs needed to the building’s gravel roofs, the maintenance budget would get a hefty increase. The roof fixes would cost about $280,000 and buy the district about five years before a more costly replacement project would be necessary.

A paving project for the middle school parking lot was also factored into the proposed maintenance budget at a cost of over $82,000.

Without those project cost, the maintenance budget is actually down about $2,000, McTiernan said.

The superintendent also said the board could choose to pay for the project utilizing capital reserve funds, or the expenses could be included in the maintenance budget as presented.

Technology would also see a budget increase for the purchase of memory and batteries for the school computers.

Board member Michael Detwiler asked how the district would fund STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) if the school moves forward with implementing a Project Lead the Way program. Cost for the program would be about $10,000, not including any salaries.

High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski said pursuing STEM offerings in computer science would fit with the present staff; but added there may be a math teacher on staff that may be interested in teaching the engineering aspect.

Nebzydoski said there needs to be a commitment from teachers to complete the required training.

Bonner asked if the district could consider STEAM, instead of STEM. STEAM adds art to the STEM curriculum.

Board member Chris Whitney said, “That’s not an industry that’s in demand in our state or country.”

According to STEAM Education, the “arts” include the language, social studies, physical arts, and fine arts and music that shape development in the STEM fields.

In addition to beginning the budget process, the board also discussed items that are slated to appear on next Monday’s business meeting agenda.

The need to streamline the fundraising process was brought to light. McTiernan said he would have a policy drafts to give the board that deal with both student fundraisers, as well as external organization fundraising.

The board also discussed a personal finance, curriculum that will be included in career development and geared toward students in ninth through 12th grade. The program is sponsored by Peoples Securities and covers topics from balancing a checkbook to filling out the FAFSA. There is no cost to the district for the program.

The board is looking into moving ahead with wiring upgrades to improve the functionality of the classroom technology.