During Thursday’s meeting, the Pearl River County School District approved a proposed budget of about $21 million that included a couple of additions.

To cover that budget, the Board would have to dip into their unreserved fund balance to the tune of $285,410. Before they made their decision, they were presented with four options, some which included additions that would be covered by the fund balance.

The first option was for adding $150,000 for technology upgrades. The second option was to use $50,000 to participate in the Community Eligibility program, which would provide free breakfast and lunch to elementary and endeavor school students. The third option was to approve adding $200,000 for both programs. The fourth option was to approve the budget without any of the additions, meaning the district would only have to dip into their fund balance $85,410.86.

After hearing the four options, the Board decided to go with the third option of approving the proposed budget with the addition of $200,000 to upgrade technology equipment and participate in the Community Eligibility program. This means the Board will dip into the fund balance for a total of $285,410.86.

Of that budget, $14.7 million will come from MAEP funding and $5.5 million will come from ad valorem taxes.

The district has a beginning fund balance of $4.4 million going into the next fiscal year.

Additional information will be in the next edition of the Item.