Fixing persistent leaks in the roof over the center of the high school and addressing a drainage issue there will consume the remaining school construction funds, superintendent Michael Byer told a joint meeting of the Haines Borough Assembly and School Board.
Byer also is seeking $250,000 from the Alaska Legislature to replace padding under the gymnasium floor, he said.
School finances – specifically how much money the district will seek from the borough this year – were not discussed, although Byer has said he’ll be seeking an increase from last year’s borough contribution of $1.9 million. Last year’s district budget was $5.33 million.
He’ll be submitting a number to borough manager Mark Earnest in the coming month.
Speaking to the assembly Tuesday, Byer stressed the district will need money to enhance its vocational education program and for meeting increasingly stringent federal standards.
The district has one teacher for each grade in elementary school and one for every subject area in the middle and high school, he said. “If we had to cut, that would be very tough without cutting programs.”
Byer has previously said the district also may need more money for fuel costs and for funding staff, as it must negotiate a new contract with teachers this spring. A 3 percent raise – something teachers have indicated they may ask for – would cost the district more than $100,000.
Salaries and benefits make up more than 80 percent of the district budget, Byer said. Last year’s borough contribution to the school budget amounted to 85 percent of the maximum allowed by state law.
Concerning the roof that chronically leaks above his office, Byer said he suspected that the only way to improve the situation was to replace the entire roof, as incremental fixes haven’t worked.
Borough facilities director Brad Maynard agreed, saying that all sections of the high school roof not recently covered by membrane roofing may need replacement.
Byer said gym floor cushioning was necessary because shock-absorbing qualities are important for preventing injuries. He referred to recent concern about concussions suffered by student athletes. “It’s not cheap, but when you consider the prevention of injuries over time, it would be a major accomplishment to do that.”