School budget keeps in mind who the district serves

School budgeting involves more than dollars and cents, property tax levies and unspent balances. A budget is also supposed to reflect those who are served by a school district.

The 2022-23 certified budget approved by the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn school board is intended to serve the needs of its students. Superintendent Patrick Carlin explained during Monday's board meeting that the budget – specifically the general fund or operating budget – funds staff and resources to accomplish that goal.

The district's operating fund spending limit is $9.5 million; however, Carlin explained that planned ex...