ARMOREL -- The Armorel school board unanimously approved the district budget for the 2009-10 school year at a special board meeting Monday evening at the Armorel administration building.
A total budget of $4,162,190.70 between operation and salaries was approved with an expected $550,093.44 to begin the 2010 school year. $1,923,868.36 is going toward salaries and $2,238,322.48 is going toward operations. This year's budget is down from $4,264,438.00 a year ago.
Armorel's beginning operating balance is down by almost $1 million from a year ago. In 2008, the beginning operating budget was $1,128,639.46. The 2009 beginning operating budget is only $377,782.76.
"The drop is due to the drop in revenue and wealth index in the Armorel area because of the downturn in the economy and local industries," said Armorel Superintendent Mike Hunter.
Also at the board meeting a special disciplinary hearing was held. A female high school student was suspended for 19 days for a fight on school grounds. Five days were for instigating the fight, five were for premeditation and nine days were given for bringing a weapon (fist back) to the school campus. The weapon was not used in the fight nor was it in her possession at the time of the fight.
The next school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12.
afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com