(KNZA)-- Prairie Hills USD 113 could surpass it’s initial goal of $1.1 million in budget reductions by the end of next school year. 

That’s what Interim Superintendent Dr. Volora Hanzlicek told the Board of Education during their regular meeting this week.

So far, Hanzlicek said the district has been able to reduce expenses by nearly $887,000.

She said if the capital outlay resolution approved by the board passes without opposition from patrons, it would give the board authority to use capital outlay funds for many additional expenses currently being paid from the general or supplemental general fund budgets.  Hanzlicek said with that authority, the board could move about $250,000 in expenses to the capital outlay fund.  She said that would make the total budget reductions from the general and supplemental general funds more than $1.1 million.

Hanzlicek said with the new education finance bill passed by the legislature, the district should be able to lower its supplemental general fund mill levy by about 2 mills beginning next school year.  As a result, she said the capital outlay mill levy increase would not place an extra burden on taxpayers.

In other business, the board discussed the process for the hiring a new Sabetha High School Principal to replace Todd Evans who will be taking over as superintendent on July 1st.

So far, Hanzlicek said 14 candidates have applied for the position.  She recommended a committee be formed to review the applications and select three for interviews by the board, which would take place during a special meeting later this month.  The screening committee will consist of Hanzlicek, Evans and three board members.