Jefferson County School Board Addresses Bus Issues

The Jefferson County School Board met in a Special Session prior to their Work Session on Thursday, March 14, 2013 in the Media Center of Jefferson County High School.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Vice Chairman of the Board Jarnigan due to a delay of Chairman Potts. Absent from Roll Call were Board Members Rogers and Lowery.  Upon a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Board Member Bradley the Agenda was Approved.

Director of Schools Edmonds informed the Board that the Department of Education had received E-Rate funding in the amount of $706,430 which will require a match of $70,643 (10%). The funding match was previously approved at a higher amount due to the possibility of receiving more E-Rate funds and was approved in the current budget by both the County Commission and the School Board.

A Recommendation came from Director Edmonds to restore from fund balance $148,500 for the purchase of 2 new buses. The recommendation came in form of a Motion from Vines and was 2nd by Bradley-Passed Unanimously. Edmonds made a second recommendation for moving $110,000 from fund balance into a special reserve account for the purchase of 2 used buses. $58,000 is currently in place for one used bus purchase. The Board Approved the Recommendation with a Motion from Bradley and 2nd from Vines.

Director of Business Affairs for the Department of Education Phagan brought information to the Board concerning the possible purchase of one portable unit used as administrative offices at the Jefferson Academy and one triple unit used as student space at the Jefferson Academy. The cost associated with the administrative unit is $17,970, with the cost of returning the unit at $16,097 ($9,794 for return and $6,303 for movement and set up of owned portable). Bradley made a Motion to purchase the Jefferson Academy Administration portable unit for a price not to exceed $17,970 after negotiation. The motion was 2nd by Vines and Passed Unanimously.

The cost of purchasing the triple portable unit is $78,492 compared to a lease cost of $16,740 annually with a break even period of 4 years and 8 months.

Director of Jefferson County Finance Helton stated that a request to use QSCB funds for purchases at Mt. Horeb Elementary School has gone to Nashville for approval.

Upon a Motion from Board Member Jarnigan and 2nd from Board Member Cavanah the Board Approved the proposed School Calendar for the 2013-2014 year.

In other information provided at the Special Called portion of the meeting, Finance Director Helton stated that he anticipates the need to request $100,000 from fund balance for Electricity ($75,000) and Water/Sewer ($25,000). He stated that the Department of Education Fund Balance is in better condition than thought prior to audit and should have an additional almost $500,000 available for use. The Fund Balance Projection is $3,142,770 including assigned amounts for renovation and to balance the current budget, moving of portables, traffic light contribution, anticipated expenses and moving Rush Strong Building, as well as $258,500 for buses and 100,000 for utilities.

There was also a review of the Capitol Outlay Note which has $145,653 available.

Information discussed during the Work Session included a Review of Maintenance Needs. Teachers will be able to use electronic work order requests that will go to the building Principal for approval and to the Maintenance Department for priority. There are currently 13 people on Maintenance staff including 2 in special repairs and 2 in painting.

The Department of Education Budget is on schedule for deadlines set by the Jefferson County Budget Committee. The Board will review a fixed asset policy, suggested by auditors, to keep better information on assets of the school system.

Director Edmonds requested that the Board consider amending the Field Trips and Excursions Policy to allow for School System owned buses to be used on trips more than 50 miles away.

The Department of Education is in the process of providing information to the Tennessee Risk Management Trust for renewal of insurance.  The Meeting was Adjourned.

Source: K. Depew, News Director