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GREEN CITY, MO -- Many schools across the Heartland have started classes, but some are still preparing for the upcoming school year, including the Green City R-1 School District.

While the teachers have been preparing for students, other staff members have been putting the final touches on other projects around school. With a major renovation happening just three years ago, most projects are occurring in the older part of the building.

“We are going through and trying to fix some of the things from the 1950’s. The 50 year old stoves and things like that. We are working on developing a facility plan that will start replacing some of the older items and upgrading some of those needs,” said Green City R-1 School Superintendent Donnie Campbell.

The biggest thing the district has been working on is the future transition in state testing. This is across the state, not just in Green City, and the state is two years away from moving to the core curriculum that is aligned with almost all the states in the United States.

One area of concern is the budget. Right now a $70,000 deficit is projected but officials say it isn’t something to worry about.

 “At this point our fund balances are very high so having a deficit budget is not a big concern at this point because we do have such a high rescue. Normally our budget is projected to be in deficit but there are a lot of things in there like if we have a mild winter and everything goes well that budget will probably become balanced,” Campbell said.

With a deficit and decreasing enrollment over the last few years, no additional positions were added over the summer. There is however five new teachers this year to replace ones that previously left the district.

Now school doesn't officially start until next Tuesday, August 21, but coming up on Thursday there will be an open house barbeque. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and snacks will be served. School officials say it is a great time for students and staff to meet each other for the upcoming school year.