There was some good news for the Cassopolis Board of Education at its regular meeting at Squires Education Center Monday night.

The board adopted a final budget for 2012-13 that showed $234,143 less in losses than originally expected.

When the board last looked at the budget in April, the district was facing a deficit of $426,469. But Monday night, an additional $234,143 in reductions and savings left the district with a deficit of $192,326.

The board approved the final budget with a 7-0 vote.

Looking ahead at the 2013-14 budget, the district has a fund balance of $1,395,273 as of June 24. The district is expecting a shortfall of $391,599, which gives it a projected fund balance of $1,003,673.

The board approved the adoption of the preliminary budget 7-0.

Cassopolis also had to approve a $1.8 million state aid borrowing resolution. The loan helps the district pay its bills until the state aid is received. That passed on a 7-0 vote.

Prior to the regular meeting, the district held a budget hearing. No members of the public attended the meeting.

In other items:

• The board approved with a 6-1 vote moving graduation to the Sunday following Memorial Day beginning in 2014. George Calvert was the lone no vote.

• The board hired Hiawatha Francisco as its middle school football coach.

• Accepted the resignation of Bridget Griffieon, a Sam Adams Elementary School teacher.

• Heard a report from Robyn Bright, food service director, that they served 440 meals in the Summer Meals Program in its first week and 147 alone Monday to kick off this week.

• The board and Superintendent Tracy Hertsel honored retirees Billie Snow and Patricia Baltazar.