Economy a factor in Oak Grove District 68

Finances haven’t been as urgent an issue in Oak Grove Elementary District 68 as in some other areas, but falling enrollment and property values means board members will have to be vigilant, candidates for the school board say.

Four candidates are running for three seats in the Green Oaks-based district. And since two incumbents are not seeking re-election in the April 5 election, there will be at least two and possibly three new members.

On the ballot are: incumbent Lane Hasler, an attorney and business consultant who was appointed to the seat in fall 2009; and newcomers Kim Opsahl, a former corporate manager, who has been a stay-at-home mom; Anthony Pirih, a technology consultant; and, Peng Yin, a corporate executive, doctor and scientist.

Comments come from a candidate questionnaire and an interview with the Daily Herald.

Hasler said maintaining quality programs with fewer resources will be a consideration as dropping property values and a pending reassessment means fewer dollars to the district.

“The challenge is managing your discretionary spending,” he said. Because the district has been taxing to the maximum rate, it cannot count on property taxes to increase revenue and must manage its spending.

Hasler touted his involvement as a member of the board’s finance committee in new budgeting procedures that involve more detailed information and checks and balances that were put into place after a former business manager was charged with theft.

Opsahl listed fiscal responsibility as her main issue and agreed “the budget will come to the forefront because of declining enrollment,” and a drop in property tax revenue. The most recent estimate shows 877 students for 2011-12, down 65 students.

She said finances will require constant monitoring, with a goal of maintaining 40 percent in reserve. The district’s budget is about $14 million.

Opsahl said the administration should be challenged to decrease expenses. That may include staff reductions, although she hoped that would be through retirement and attrition.

“Important decisions must be made during the next term regarding both revenue and expenses,” she said.

Pirih said the district will need to find ways to improve its educational offerings despite a more difficult financial picture.

“The challenge, I think, for the school and the district is how do you maintain that excellence? The economy will play a major role. Declining enrollment is an issue,” he said.

Maximizing the value and contributions of volunteer time, talent and financial contributions was a priority, he added.

Yin said the district is in good shape financially, but it is important to plan ahead to manage during a time of economic stress, tightened budget and decreasing enrollment.

The district already has taken steps to manage costs, including reducing medical insurance premiums for teachers and staff without jeopardizing coverage.

He said measures are in place to keep the budget on track but “this is one of the things we should monitor very closely.”

Yin, who served on the district’s strategic planning committee in 2009, said his top issue was to ensure a strong, diverse and up-to-date curriculum. He also wanted to ensure that teachers had the most updated information available and used the “newest innovations in teaching techniques and technologies.”