Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

PSD To Be Short Of Funds Due to Falling Student Population

After receiving an unexpected surplus of funds for 1995-96 student enrollment, the Prescott school board learned last Thursday, January 22, it will lose over $120,000 in state funding from the state next year.

This was understood by the district, but does not help since the district is experiencing money problems resulting from the April 1, 1996, fire which destroyed a portion of the Prescott High School.

A lawsuit has been filed to recover funds the district feels is owed by USF&G, its insurance carrier at the time. Until the lawsuit if over, the district has had to pay from its own pockets for work completed.

A loss of funding from the state does not mean the district would cut programs or employment, but if enrollment continues dropping those options would have to be considered.

Enrollment in the district is currently 1,120. The district was paid for last year's enrollment of 1,157 students.

While students are worth just over $3,950 in equalized funding (from local taxes and state funding) the district would lose other in-kind funding from the state.

The board heard the report from superintendent Don Johnston, but could not take any action on the matter.

Three students were honored by the board for earning 7AA all district and all state honors on the football field.

Carlos Vanhook was recognized for leading the Curley Wolves' defense in tackles, 707 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns rushing the ball and 3 touchdowns from pass receptions.

Jason Morrow was honored for his contribution to the football squad leading the Wolf Pack's defense in sacks and 41 pass receptions for 1,053 yards (a 25.7-yard per reception average).

Al Johnston was recognized for his offensive and defensive accomplishments, including a PHS record.

Johnston threw for 1,950 yards this past season (3,226 career yards in two seasons as starting quarterback) and leading the defense in interceptions.

In addition, Johnston was named outstanding back in the district by the coaches in the 7AA conference.

The awards were handed out by first year head football coach David Bennett.

Bennett led the Curley Wolves to a fourth place conference finish and to Prescott's third straight year in the state football playoffs.

Board members also approved the purchase of language arts textbooks for kindergarten through sixth grade students for next year.

Other action saw board members agreeing to sign a quit claim deed on 3 acres being sold in the Bluff City area. The property for use as "religious purposes" in the district by a benefactor many years ago.

The district did not own the property.

A letter was signed by the board members for its portion of a one-cent sales tax being collected in the city of Prescott.

Last year, the district used the money for a computer lab on the elementary school campus.

Board members met briefly in an executive session, and upon returning, agreed to extend Johnston's contract by one year.

Two resignations were also accepted by the board. Elementary school's Title I Coordinator Donna Marlar resigned as well as cafeteria worker Diane Hill.