The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. with all BOE members present.

Superintendent Andrea Evers provided highlights from the 2013-2014 budget, which included:

• Projected deficit spending, to the tune of $320,000.

• A 5% reduction in General State Aid...$160,000, along with a reduction in funding for Title programs.

• Evers also noted various expenditures for improvement to facilities, including remodeling at the CJSHS building to accommodate the 6th Grades classes, a new HVAC system in an area of need, and the newly paved employee parking lot at Cairo Elementary.

• The City of Cairo has agreed to pave the street in front of Cairo Elementary...where the buses pick up and drop off students.

• Placing the dire prediction for the coming year in perspective, Superintendent Evers informed the BOE that last year's budget had projected a $220,000 deficit, but that the actual outcome was a balanced budget. She also reminded the BOE that "contingency funds" are built into all budgets in the event of unexpected large expenditures. So, if the coming year follows the pattern of last year and there are no unpleasant surprises, Evers anticipated a final deficit in the neighborhood of $150,000. (CAT Tracks Editor's Note...Since the District has it's $4 million slush fund, not to worry.) Bottom line, according to the Superintendent, "in the future, times are going to get leaner, leaner, and leaner."

The BOE voted to adjourn at 5:53 p.m.

As for the Regular Meeting...

...it "followed the script", whatever was on the agenda happened.

Under "Report of Superintendent" and/or "Informational", a couple of items of interest:

• "New" office furniture and computers. State Farm has donated used desks and chairs for teachers. Additionally, since State Farm has a policy of replacing its desktop computers every two years, it donated 25 desktops to Cairo Elementary and 25 desktops to Cairo Junior/Senior High. (Existing computers at both buildings are much older, so State Farms' largess is very much appreciated.)

• On November 5th, the BOE will have a training/workshop session, similar to the one that was held this past Monday.

• Brenda Jones is putting together a packet of new and/or revised BOE policies. A Special Meeting will be held on September 30th beginning at 5:30 p.m. to consider same.

The BOE voted to enter closed session at 6:20 p.m. The BOE voted to exit closed session at 7:40 p.m.

The BOE voted to adjourn at 7:43 p.m.

Treasurer's Report Not Available.