Hennessey’s superintendent continues to prepare his board of education for an upcoming downturn in school finances.

“Although we’re up $460,000 in the general fund compared to a year ago we need to be cautious about our expenditures in July, August and September,” Dr. Mike Woods told board members last Monday night.

“I’ve asked our principals to look at ways to save money,” he said. “I don’t want to be an alarmist, but we will really need to proceed with caution.”

Woods said this is the first month that the school’s gross production money has dropped below $200,000 “and that’s for business a few months ago.

“We’re blessed to have gotten that pipeline company settlement.”

Woods issued the same warning in last month’s financial rundown.

The board routinely OK’d an application to the county excise board for $9.12 million in temporary appropriations to start the July 1 fiscal year.

The district asks for $8 million for the general fund; $500,000 for the building fund; $600,000 for child nutrition, and $20,000 for the cooperative fund.

Board President James Matthew Matousek pointed out a report that showed the school had provided an average of 760 meals a day during the school closings due to COVID-19.

“That was 18,370 meals served from the day schools were closed until April 22,” Matousek said.

Woods said volunteers delivered meals and their help was “just phenomenal.”

Other board members present were Vice President Luke Lough, Cristopher Choate and Patrick Griffin. Board member Joe Garrison was still in the hospital at that time.

In the audience were more than a dozen parents, teachers, administrators and others.

Most parents were interested in the start of a wrestling program and 2020 graduation plans.