Presentation By Current, Former R-III Superintendents Highlight Oct. Chamber Meeting

Holden R-III Superintendent, Dr. Christy Harrison and retired R-III Supt. Dr. Mike Hough were guest speakers at last Thursday’s Holden Area Chamber of Commerce.
School District Financial Picture
The pair gave an in-depth look at the school district’s financial condition along with future challenges facing districts across Missouri due to cutbacks in state funding.
The presentation included:
• The four funds accounting for every dollar the district receives and spends;
• Revenue Sources;
• State Funding;
• Local Funding;
• Debt Service
Comparisons;
• Tax Levy
Comparisons;
• Debt Funding
Comparisons;
• Unrestricted Fund
Balances;
• Federal & Other
Funding;
• Budgeting Cycle.
Major takeaways of the presentation were that while the R-III District currently is in good condition, the lack of state funding (which currently ranks in last place of all 50 states) poses serious obstacles for virtually all state school districts moving forward.
(Editor’s Note: The Image will be publishing a further breakdown of the consequences of funding in the near future.)
Correspondence & Reports
Following was a series of reports and updates from various committee heads. Those were as follows:
Economic Development
Johnson County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Tracy Brantner distributed several handouts concerning tax training and other programs.
Welcome Committee & City Updates
Holden Mayor Allen Mensch told the Chamber a sidewalk project may be done by winter and that bids for a consolidated…

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