School Board Seeks New Attorney

K. Depew, News Director

The Jefferson County School Board met in a Called Meeting prior to their Regular Work Session on Thursday, May 8, 2014 in the Patriot Academy.

The meeting was Called to Order by Chairman of the Board Potts. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Rogers.

Under New Business, Jefferson County Finance Director Helton recommended that the Board Approve Internal School Funds Audit Services for the 2014-2015 School Year at a cost of $16,000. Upon a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Board Member Cavanah the recommendation was Approved.

With a Motion from Board Member Jarnigan and 2nd from Vines, the Board Approved one General Purpose Budget Amendment and one Federal Purpose Budget Amendment that consisted of end of the year housekeeping.

Director of Schools Edmonds brought a recommendation to the Board to consider the hiring of a new law firm to address routine education matters. He stated that contact with the current attorney has been difficult at times and that there are no ongoing legal issues that would impact the timing of a change. The Executive Committee will bring back two attorneys that specialize in education law and are endorsed by the TSBA for consideration of the Board.

The Voting Meeting was Adjourned and the Work Session was Called to Order by Chairman Potts.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton presented the Board with the draft document of the fiscal year 2014-2015 Operating Budget. Helton stated that there is currently around $3.2 million dollars in fund balance but $1,010,000 is held in reserve for renovation contribution to Jefferson County High School, leaving a more true balance of $2.2 million. Director Edmonds stated that it would be beneficial to the Schools to release the reserved amount and fund any renovation needs via other financial vehicles that would allow installment payments.

The Board made a $40,000 adjustment to the legal line item and $20,000 adjustment to the fiscal services line item. Currently, without the $60,000 adjustments, the deficit amount is anticipated to be $2,375,979. Director Edmonds stated that, due to recently approved legislation, the funds needed to purchase buses should dramatically decrease and that amount will be adjusted off of the total deficit. A large portion of the increase was attributed to utility increases due to increased square footage and continued use of portables during the renovation process, as well as annual health insurance increases. During the current fiscal year, fund balance ($1,017,007) was utilized to balance the budget. An adjusted budget will be ready for review of the Board next week and presented for approval at the May 15, 2014 voting meeting.