More kindergartners, bigger budget for TSC

TIPPECANOE CO., Ind. (WLFI) - There's a bigger budget for the Tippecanoe School Corporation, just in time for the largest kindergarten class ever.

The TSC Board of Trustees adopted the 2013 budget, which will begin Jan. 1, during their meeting Wednesday evening.  

The $122.1-million budget is $5 million higher than last year. 

TSC Chief Financial Officer Kim Fox said part is due to an anticipated $.02 increase to assessed property values due to an accounting error by the state. 

It's also the third and final year of an increase to the funding formula for TSC that puts on par with districts around the state.

"This is a huge difference for us," Fox said.  "This actually brings us up to more of a level funding playing field than we've ever been, so it's a very great time for us because now we can be at the same foundation level as everyone else."

Fox said the corporation has added 25 teaching jobs this year and more may be needed next year.
    
Superintendent Scott Hanback told NewsChannel 18 more than 1,000 kindergartners have started this fall. It's the most ever at TSC and about 100 more than last year. 

He believes part is due to new homes and new families in the district and part is the state fully funding full-day kindergarten.