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Last week's action gives the district a spending guide built on projected revenues of $10,000,684 and anticipated expenditures of $9,922,390. The fund balance for June 2008 is estimated at $1,536,999, compared to this fiscal year's anticipated ending balance of $1,458,705.

Officials are hopeful that major cost-cutting measures in 2006-07 and for the new budget for 2007-08 will avoid another year of deficits caused by a continuing slide in student enrollment and reduced state aid.

Officials axed more than $900,000 between the two budget years. Despite the belt-tightening measures, the district will still end the current fiscal year on June 30 with a deficit of $135,436, which will be erased by reducing the fund balance to $1.45 million. The 2007-08 budget is projected to end in the black, with a positive balance of around $78,000. However, officials still don't know the level of state aid for next year, or the number of students that will enroll for the fall opening of classes Ð though the budget has been built with a projected loss of 30 students, according to Superintendent Duane Lange.

In related business, the board voted to borrow $800,000 from the state municipal bond authority, against anticipated state aid. The figure is lower than some previous years when borrowing exceeded $1 million, but higher than the $650,000 in 2006-07. The increase reflects the state's uncertain budget situation, along with changes in the state's release of monthly payments to districts.

In other business, the school board:*Reviewed the proposed minimum number of participants by sport for 2000-08, and the proposed athletic registration fee of $30 per sport for high school and $20 per sport in middle school. The matter will be discussed further at the July meeting.

*Heard a proposal for a complete ban on smoking on all school property, 24 hours a week, 7 days a week, from 8th grade student Brent Speer. The idea was developed by Brent and the Peer Assistance Leaders group to promote a healthier environment for students. The superintendent was directed to research the matter and report back to the board.

*Hired Susan Hutchens to teach third grade, and accepted the resignation of junior varsity basketball coach Fred Mroczek.

*Approved the fall coaching recommendations, with no changes from last year.

*Posted a four hour middle school English position and reduced a high school math and English slot from full time to part-time for 2007-08.

*Reinstated a male high school student providing a zero tolerance contract is signed by the student, parents and the superintendent prior to the start of the school year, the student encounters no problems over the summer, and that he continues counseling and monthly reports are sent to the superintendent.