School Board Conducts Final Meeting Before New Year

The Jefferson County School Board met for their final meeting of 2014 on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Patriot Academy.

Chairman of the Board Jarnigan Called the Meeting to Order. Absent from Roll Call were Board Members Lowery and Rogers. The Agenda was Approved, with the addition of items (payment for Lewis Group and painting bleachers at JCHS), upon a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Board Member Potts. The Consent Agenda was Approved with a Motion from Board Member Cavanah and 2nd from Vines.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton informed the Board that payment to the Lewis Group was late and had not been paid because, although it was a previously approved expense, the source of funding had not been identified. Helton suggested funding the $128,531 payment from funds remaining in the Capitol Outlay Note (leaving the note at around $2,000). Vines made the Motion to fund the payment to the Lewis Group in the amount of $128,531 from the Capitol Outlay Note with insurance recovery going back into the Capitol Outlay Note to offset the expense. The Motion was 2nd by Potts and Passed 5-0.

Director of Schools Edmonds recommended that the Board approve the Construction Manager’s Guaranteed Maximum Price for the restoration and renovation of Building 8 in the amount of $3,605,811, which was $12,615 less than the price given prior to going out for bids, leaving an unfunded amount of $2,763,754 (including insurance funds but not including any recovery from the pending law suit) and to be accomplished with a change order between the Construction Manager and Jefferson County Schools. Vines made the Motion to Approve Edmond’s recommendation and was 2nd by Board Member Bradley. The Motion Passed unanimously. Edmonds brought a recommendation for the School Board to instruct Edmonds to requested the Building 8 unfunded amount of $2,763,754 from the County Commission. Vines and Bradley made the Motion and 2nd to Approve the recommendation and it Passed Unanimously.

Chairman Jarnigan held the Board in recess until the completion of the County Commission meeting. Upon reconvening, the Board heard information regarding the need for improvement to the turn lane at the Patriot Academy. Edmonds stated that there is approximately $117,000 in the Patriot Academy Fund that could be used for the project but it could be done in conjunction with another outside project that would assist in the funding. However, information will not be available until a later date.

Under New Business, the Board Approved General Budget Amendment #7, Federal Budget Amendment #7 and Food Service Budget Amendment #2, with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Bradley. A contract with McFarland and Gann for Internal School Audit was Approved with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Potts. The Board also Approved Resolution 2014-22 for surplus property from Student Nutrition and Central Office with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Bradley.

Board Member Bradley, seconded by Vines, made a successful Motion to spray paint the bleachers at JCHS to match the lower bleachers for a cost of $6100 to come from maintenance funds.

Under Unfinished Business, the Board Approved Policies 1.704,5.112,2.806,2.808 and 5.110 on Second Reading, with a Motion from Potts and 2nd from Vines.