Moving Warren Easton’s clinic toward a sustainable model was a chief topic of discussion at Warren Easton Charter Foundation’s finance committee meeting on Nov 16.

Financial Officer Mike Greer estimates the school’s clinic, which is funded by the Warren Easton Charter Foundation, will cost $15,200 to run this year.

“We’ll probably be a few thousand short at the end of the year, but not $15,000 short,” said board President David Garland.

The costs are offset by usage fees paid per service day by a dentist at the clinic. Garland said the clinic has averaged 12 to 15 service days per month thus far. The board is continuing to look for more grants and a service on the medical side to help the clinic become self-sustaining.

Greer also brought the need for an additional bus route to the committee, which the full board later approved. Warren Easton currently enrolls 880 students. The school’s contract with Berry Transportation was negotiated based on last year’s enrollment, which was less than 880.

Greer estimates the cost of an additional route at $32,156.70. He asked for up to $35,000 to negotiate with the bus company, which the committee approved. He also noted the additional students will bring money to the school’s budget through the state’s Minimum Foundation Program, which provides money based on enrollment.

The largest relative expenditure increase from last academic year has come in professional and technical services. The school has contracted out janitorial services this year and paid a membership fee of $15,000 to be part of the Eastbank Collaborative of Charter Schools.

Grants Manger Tennille Sanders reported to the committee on the school’s grants. One school employee was transferred to the Orleans Parish School Board’s payroll. Her salary previously came from Warren Easton’s Title I money and now will come from the city board’s Title I money. The money freed up by this will most likely be used for supplies for Title I teachers at Easton.

The finance committee began their meeting at 5:10 p.m. and adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Board members David Garland, Brenda Christiansen, and Jeff Zapata were present. Also attending were Financial Officer Mike Greer, Grants Manager Tennille Sanders and ex-officio board member Sal Genovese.