Kimball School Superintendent Troy Unzicker gave the Board of Education the bad news of a $588,984 cut in state school funding for the 2010-2011 budget year which starts Sept. 1.

This cut is brought about by action of the state legislature. Lower tax revenue in difficult economic times has led to the drop in state aid available to public schools.

In addition to that, a cut of $84,186 in Federal funds for year 2011-2012 is expected.

Unzicker told the Board of Education at their Mar. 9 meeting that he has taken some immediate actions to control expenses in the light of this coming shortfall in funds available to operate the school system.

Effective immediately, overtime pay is stopped. All large expense items must by approved by the superintendent. Requests for expenditures will be limited to absolute necessities.

Unzicker said he is not planning on any hiring.

Board members will forego attending a spring conference of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association.

With the normal retirement of the auto class teacher at the end of the current school term, the class will be suspended until further notice.

Unzicker said, “We will try to avoid cuts that will hurt the kids.”

Unzicker will be meeting with the board’s finance committee to develop recommendations.  Danielle Reader, Lynn Vogel and Steve Diemoz make up the finance committee.

The Advisory Committee will also be consulted. This committee is  composed of interested members of the public at large.

Unzicker hosted an informational meeting concerning the expected cut in funds back on Jan. 27. At that meeting, he said a cut in the range of $437,000 was expected.

The drop in state aid turned out to be even larger than was foreseen.

The January meeting was open to the public and about 80 people attended.

Banner County schools will be cut $144,891 and Potter-Dix will be hit with a $107,217 reduction in state aid.

The Kimball Board of Education accepted the resignation of third grade teacher Amber Reano, heard the report of Technology Director Travis Terrill, rejected all bids for a canopy to cover air conditioning units and listened to the Pride in Excellence report presented by kindergarten teacher Kristina Bush.

The board also approved the hiring of a nurse to replace retiring school nurse Carol Beach. State regulations require that the school have a nurse on staff.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on April 12.