While this time of year, students are typically busy with midterms and making it to Thanksgiving break, superintendents are finalizing their districts' budgets. 

Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Ryan Peyton indicates that his district is using what is called a "Conservative Budgeting Model." This means that they are overestimating their expenses and underestimating their revenue, so they can plan the budget and worry less about coming up short. He mentions that wind farms make up a big part of the funding for the district.

Peyton explains that while there are still conversations to be had about what wind farm dollars can go towards, he says that they are always looking for ways to offset the burden on local taxpayers. The district gets around $70,000 a year from Piatt County's one-cent sales tax, half of which they use to reduce taxes. He expects to receive a similar amount now with the same tax in McLean County

Peyton has been hearing rumblings of potential cuts to the funding that they receive from the State. He hopes that the increased EAV of the district due to wind development can offset some of those losses. 

The first-year Superintendent is grateful for the resources and former "supes" who helped him learn the budget process. He admits that he is still learning and that there may be amendments in the future. 

Learn more about Blue Ridge Schools by visiting blueridge18.org or by finding Blue Ridge Schools on Facebook.