School Board Still Looking for Budget but Gets Big Boost from State
The Jefferson County School Board will have to wait a few more days to get a first look at their draft budget for the 2016/2017 fiscal year. Though the budget proposal was an item for Thursday night’s agenda, it, along with the differentiated pay plan, were not addressed during the April 28,2016 meeting. Preliminary estimates suggest that the Board will be facing around a $600,000 proposed increase in expenditures for the next fiscal year, according to information provided by Jefferson County Finance Director Potts. The Board was also informed that there will be an estimated $2.5 million dollar increase in BEP funds that are provided by the State of Tennessee. Board Member Potts stated that she would like to see the additional funds be used to address salaries of both classified and certified employees. Board Member Potts said that there are also still needs at Jefferson County High School that should be met to have a final and complete project. Issues with the facilities at the football stadium, the baseball field, softball field, tennis courts and parking were noted possible uses for the increased state funds. The sewer situation at Rush Strong School could also be answered with a part of the unexpected state monies.
Board Members expressed concern that there is still no contract with Cope, the design firm that was approved by the Board for the White Pine School renovation and addition project. According to Director of Schools Edmonds, the County Attorney and School Board Attorney have reached an agreement on the contract and are waiting for agreement from Cope, which the Director stated that he expects to happen very soon. Board Members appeared to be most concerned regarding the start date of the project, which will be delayed due to contract issues with Cope. Director Edmonds informed the Board that the design plans have been drawn, though no contract is, as of the date of the Board meeting, in place.
A presentation on 20/20 Vision outlined the program and touched on a request, which will be presented during budget time, for computers for math classrooms. Local educators Jacob Bellissimo and Susan Garber made the presentation to the Board and discussed the need for every student to have hands on experience with computers daily. The suggestion of the 20/20 Vision program was that math classrooms be outfitted with computers that would allow every student individual computer experience.
Action taken during Thursday’s meeting included approval of general and federal budget amendments ( no fund balance impact), approval of textbook adoption, approval of TSBA 2017 membership dues and the declaration of surplus property from the technology department. Following discussion regarding funds garnered from the Elementary School Basketball Program, the Board made the decision to extend the agreement with the Dandridge Activity Center for another year, meaning another season of basketball for elementary student teams next year.
