Transparency Report

COVID-19 Reporting
Bear Lake Extended COVID-19 Learning Goal Report
Budget/Compensation Transparency Reporting

Bear Lake Schools – Report Date: 11/20/20224

Section 1 – Annual Operating Budget and Subsequent Budget Revisions

To learn more about how we serve the children in our community visit our website at bearlake.manistee.org or call us at 231-864-3133.

The Bear Lake School District serves 278 children in kindergarten through the 12th grade. In addition we offer preschool, childcare, and adult and community education services. Our budget is adopted by our publicly elected board of education no later than June 30 of each year. Like other schools in the State of Michigan, our budget is based on our best guess of what amount of per pupil funding the state will provide.

Board Approved Budgets

Fiscal Year 2025-2026

General Fund Opening Budget

Internal Service Fund Opening Budget

Food Service Fund Opening Budget

Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025

General Fund Final Budget

Internal Service Fund Final Budget

Food Service Fund Final Budget

 

Section 2 – District and Personnel Expenditures

Like any organization, the Bear Lake School District has a variety of expenditures including utilities, fuel for buses, technology, facility maintenance, insurance, personnel, and office supplies. Public schools are unique in that they have boards of education that control the expenditure (and receipt) of school funds. The school board members are state officers who carry out the state’s educational obligations at the local level and they have the ultimate responsibility for school operations. Schools also pay for classroom supplies, specialized services for students with special needs, and many other instruction-related items.

Pie Chart for Current Operating Expenditures 2024-2025

Because schools are a service industry, the largest share of every school’s expenditures are salaries and benefits. Retirement costs are state mandated and controlled at the state level. Schools have increased co-pays for health insurance and reduced benefit programs for health insurance for staff. Insurance costs include health, dental, vision, and life. All other personnel benefit costs include annuities and car allowances.

Pie Chart for Personnel Expenditures 2024-2025

Section 3 – Current Bargaining Agreements and Employer Sponsored Health Care Plans

Current Bargaining Agreements

BLEA Master Agreement 2023-2026

BLEA Letter of Agreement

Employer Sponsored Health Care Plans

MESSA Plans

Section 4 – Audited Financial Statements

Each year the Bear Lake School District is required to hire an independent auditor to complete a comprehensive audit which evaluates and reports on the financial condition of the district. The audit includes a thorough analysis of all business operations as well as a compliance review for the requirements of the many programs we operate.

Financial Statements & Audit Report 2024-2025

Section 5 – Employee Compensation Information

Position and Salary Information

All employees of the Bear Lake School District are categorized by classification of position held. All classifications are established according to demands of the position, level of responsibility, job functions performed, credentials and skills required, etc. Each classification falls into at least one established salary schedule, which takes into account such factors as seniority in position or in similar positions, comparison to similar jobs elsewhere in community, cost of living factors, etc. The Bear Lake School District Board of Education determines matters related to school employees including pay and benefits.

This report requires listing the Superintendent and employees with salaries over $100,000. Currently the Bear Lake School District does not employee anyone with a salary over $100,000.

Superintendent:

Salary:
$52,912         

Benefits:
Annuity = $5,201
Health Insurance = $1,169
Cash in Lieu = $3,451

Section 6 – District Paid Association Dues

Dues and fees paid by our district are limited to professional associations, student associations, or employment associations (labor union dues) on behalf of staff. These memberships provide added opportunities, resources, continuing education, and professional development. These memberships make it possible for our district to conduct business in more efficient ways and result in scholarship opportunities for our students.

List of Association Dues Paid

Section 7 – District Paid Lobbying Costs

No school district funds were spent on lobbying services in 2024-2025.

Section 8 – Deficit Elimination Plan

The district has not incurred a deficit.

Section 9 – District Credit Card Information

District credit card information.

Section 10 – Out-of-State Travel Information

There was no out-of-state travel to report.

Section 11 – Procurement of Supplies, Materials, and Equipment

Policy 6320

Section 12 – Categories of Reimbursable Expenses

Policy 3440

Policy 6550

Section 13 – Statement of Expenses Incurred by Board Members

Board member reimbursements.

Section 14 – Medical Benefit Plan Bid.
Click to view document.
Section 15 – Evaluations Posting and Assurances School ADvance Administrator Evaluation System

5D Teacher Evaluations Postings and Assurances

School ADvance Administrator Evaluation System

Other Reports

Annual Education Reports:

Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan Training on Delivery, Access, and Use of Virtual Content

98b Reporting

98b Reporting: February 2022

98b 2022-2023 Goals

98b Report: GSRP

ARP ESSER Plan of Use

98c Learning Loss Plan