In one ot the tew areas ot

In one ot the tew areas ot the budget besides fuel where the board increased the proposed budget over the basic as opposed to the recommended amount, the board upped the allocation for an audit of the school finances from $950 to $2,000. Eastham maintained that the amount is required in Order to conduct a “full audit” of financial records.

In the line item for school board attorney fees, the board increased the proposed allocation to $5,00(>—$1,000 over the amount in the basic budget.

“Is that enough?” asked Eastham.

Mrs. Massie explained that the board intends to use the services of the Commonwealth’s Attorney on routine legal matters, saving Harrisonburg lawyer Phillip Stone for more complicated legal issues.

Phone Bills

“I’d like to see a ten per cent reduction over the current year (in telephone bills from the school board office)," said Masterson, noting that over $500 was spent last month. The board unanimously endorsed an $800 cut in the amount for telephone and postage recommended by Bloomer.

Initially, the board’s consensus was to approve $33,282 for instructional supplies, cutting $5,000 from Bloomer’s recommended allocation. The superintendent explained that the $5,000 was included so that “questionable fees” currently being charged students can be dropped. “Do you want me to eliminate those questionable fees (despite the cut)?” Bloomer asked.

“That’s your problem,” Masterson replied.

Noting that the recommended amount for instructional supplies showed an increase of $1,900 over the budgeted amount for this year. Bloomer said the hike refelected changes in school board philosophy. In the past, he said, funds have been transferred to this category as needed from money unspent in teachers’ salaries. Since the board no longer wants this approach followed. Bloomer explained