By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

In a presentation to the school board at the Jan. 19 workshop session, Angel Green, assistant director of business administration, reported income from real estate taxes comprises almost 70 percent of the district’s total overall revenue.

Activity in the housing market has yielded a benefit to Parkland.

“Real estate actual revenue at Dec. 31, 2020, has increased in comparison to Dec. 31, 2019, of the prior year by $2.7 million, or 2.3 percent due to an increase in assessed values,” Green said. “Realty transfer tax has been trending upward and our actual revenue has already exceeded our budgeted revenue by about $100,000.

“We continue to see additional properties being bought and sold, and this will continue to generate more revenue for the district.”

Green noted earned income tax is in line with projections and has not been affected by the coronavirus.

She stated the district received funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund established to address the impact of COVID-19.

“With the ESSER’s Phase I allocation, CARES, we were able to cover the additional one-year positions in the amount of $1,149,096,” Green said.

She noted Parkland will obtain additional funds through Phase II of the ESSER grant known as Federal Winter Stimulus money.

Although the amount is not yet specified, Green said the funds will be helpful to support both the curriculum and facilities of the district. Green listed some eligible uses for the ESSER Phase II grant which include: improvements to reduce and prevent the risk of virus transmission and improve air quality; maintain continuity of services and continue to employ existing staff; provide assistance to parents and families on how to effectively support students in the distance learning environment; and other items to address learning loss and to meet the comprehensive needs of students.

With budget preparation ongoing through June, Green offered a comment on the procedure.

“Parkland’s administration continues to monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure the district can live within the index without affecting the education of the students which is our top priority.”