Budget Increase Memo

Mr. F:

The media program of Effingham County High School exists to support, enrich, implement, and supplement the curriculum and educational programs of its school. As evidenced by our monthly report, the Media Center is a vital part of the activities here at ECHS. There are numerous meetings, presentations, and goings-on throughout the school day and the school year by a plethora of groups and individuals.

Our current budget of $23,043.84 was decreased by $460.88 due to budget cuts this past year. Not only did this prohibit us from buying additional needed equipment and supplies, it limited what we had intended to purchase from the designated budgeted funds. I am requesting that our budget be reinstated to its original allotment for the 2009 financial year, as well as be increased by an additional 15%. This additional $3,456.58 will be used to purchase a ceiling mount retractable projector screen and a mountable projector (as well as the mounting equipment) to aid with presentations, as well as a much needed laminator and its required glossy film.

In the month of September alone, there were over 15 meetings in the Media Center that required the use of a projector and screen. For each meeting, a staff member had to take time to make sure that a projector was available, set up the equipment before the meeting, and break down the equipment after the meeting was concluded. By purchasing a ceiling mount retractable projector screen and projector, we will be able to eliminate the hassle of reserving and setting up the equipment in advance. Also, our presentations will have a much more professional appearance. This will better represent our school, especially when college recruiters and members of other school districts are in attendance.

Due to the increased demand by teachers and students, our current laminator is simply not able to keep up with the every growing volume of items to be laminated. It is unreliable, and requires delicate handling when in use. The requested laminator is much more user friendly and will be able to better meet the space and productivity needs of our faculty and students.

Items to be purchased:
Epson® EX90 LCD Multimedia Projector [Office Depot] $ 899.99
Elite VMAX Series EZ Electric Projection Screen [Office Depot] 389.99
Atdec Universal Projector Ceiling Mount [Office Depot] 99.99
Bienfang MultiSeal thermal laminator [Gaylord] 1573.00
Laminate glossy film (per roll) [Gaylord] 180.00

Subtotal $3142.97
Tax (7%) 220.00
Approximate shipping 90.00
TOTAL $3452.97

By carefully considering which items to purchase with our additional funds and shopping around for the best price, we were able to find quality items at reasonable rates. The items to be purchased will help meet the needs of our educators and will be put to good use. Thank you for your consideration.


Respectfully,

jlg