Ahmann's Last Meeting Tonight

will step down from the Decatur School Board after Tuesday night's meeting.

He's served two terms representing District 1, Post B, and was usually the most vocal and critical member of the board.

Just last month he challenged the administration's budget projections and was the only member to vote against giving Superintendent Phyllis Edwards a $5,000 raise.

Ahmann decided not to seek re-election. He'll be replaced by , who defeated in the Nov. 8 election.

Julie Rhame will start another term representing District 2, Post B on the school board. She didn’t face any opposition in the election. Goebel and Rhame will be sworn in at the January meeting.

Superintendent Phyllis Edwards, in her report to the board that’s part of the advance agenda, says a January work session will be devoted to planning the fiscal year 2013 budget.

“One thing that you will have to be prepared for is to spend down the fund balance,” Edwards wrote. “While we may all like to continue to carry 15% or upwards, it is not something that we can do.  We have some suggestions for you but plan to share this with you at the January meeting.”

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.  Tuesday at the Westchester Auditorium at 758 Scott Boulevard.

A full copy of the budget can be viewed on the school system website.