School Board Questions Uncompleted Capital Projects

The Jefferson County School Board met for their regular monthly meeting last week. This was the first voting meeting since the installation of Interim Director of Schools Finchum. Following the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the Board received a brief overview of the state of the Special Education Department from Department Director Bowlin. Central Office Administrator Davis also addressed the Board concerning the most recent report card from the state.

Vice Chairman Jarnigan, sitting in for Chairman of the Board Vines who was absent, led the agenda. Under Items of Information, the Board also received information from Finance Director Potts that revenues for the current fiscal year appear to be on track or slightly improved and the expense side is also on track, at present leaving the budget in good shape. Board Members got the calendar for the upcoming budget season and budget assumptions, as well as an update on the BEP program allocation. Included in the Items for Information was the approximate cost for a possible soccer field and track combo at the Freshman Academy. The cost associated with a soccer field ( stand alone) was $149,000. A soccer field in combination with an 8 lane latex surface track was $499,000. The soccer/track combination as a complete package with restrooms, locker rooms, concessions, bleachers and lighting was $1,079,000. In an after meeting interview, Michael Phagan, Director of Business Affairs for the Department of Education, stated that there is some concern that the space at the Freshman Academy could not hold the soccer field and an eight lane track therefore he would suggest a survey of the space available before committing to a combination project. The question of a combination field and track came up when it was released that the track at Jefferson County High School would need to be refurbished or replaced before the school could host any home meets. The track will be used for practice purposes, in a limited capacity, this spring.

Under New Business, the Board approved the JCHS Curriculum Guide and several budget amendments, as well as the Tenure Eligibility list for 2017/18. They also passed a motion presented by Board Member Potts and 2nd by Board Member Bradley to transition their legal representation to Bennett and DeCamp, following their current attorney as he makes a professional move. The Board approved a $200 donation to the Chamber of Commerce and two resolutions to declare surplus property from the transportation and technology departments.

Board Member Potts questioned the length of time it has taken to work through the approved and funded Capital Projects list, noting that only a small portion of the funded projects had been started. Phagan, who is charged with overseeing the completion of the list, stated that there were updates to the list that might want to be considered by the Board. Potts stated that the list had the approval of the School Board and the County Commission and was compiled two years ago with an eye on a timely completion of the projects. She also noted that several projects have been presented since the list was approved and funded and those newer projects had not lingered in an uncompleted state but were finished in a timely manner.

In other business, Jarnigan will serve on the Policy Committee. Nursing salaries were brought before the Board with the suggestion of an increase that would allow for competition in hiring and maintaining those qualified individuals.

Source: K. Depew, News Director