School Budget To Go To County Commission

The Jefferson County Board of School Commissioners met Thursday, May 15, 2014 in the library at the Patriot Academy. Absent from Roll Call were Board members Vines and Rogers. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Potts and, following the Pledge of Allegiance, the night’s agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. The first item of business discussed by the Board was overnight field trips planned by Rush Strong School and the Maury Middle Girl’s Basketball Team. Both were approved unanimously by the Board. With no other Consent Agenda items for discussion, the Board moved on to New Business. The first item under New Business was Board Policies for Review and Adoption. These policies dealt with grievance procedures, graduation activities, physical assault leave, the school calendar, mobile devices, field trips, discipline procedures and a new policy concerning naming facilities. With a motion from Board member Bradley and a second from Board member Jarnigan, the policies passed on first reading. The next item was a request from Director of Jefferson County Schools, Dr. Charles Edmonds, for approval of the yearly Federal Projects and Special Education Grants for the 2014-2015 school year. Approval was granted with a motion from Board member Cavanah and a second from Bradley. The Board turned its attention to the Student Nutrition Program and a proposed price increase. It was explained by Dr. Edmonds that the latest government regulations caused an increase in food cost, but with fewer children eating the lunches, a price increase was unavoidable. The proposed increases included 15 cents on lunch costs for grade levels PK – 5, and a 25 cent increase for adult staff and child visitors. The price for an adult visitor meal rose from $3.50 to $5.00. The requested breakfast increase was 25 cents for students and adults alike. The increase was passed with a motion from Board member Jarnigan and a second from Cavanah. Resolution No. 2014-13 to declare surplus property within the Technology Department was the next item on the agenda. Outdated or surplus equipment can be recycled and the county has already received $750.00 from recycled surplus. With a motion from Board member Bradley and a second from Cavanah, the resolution passed with no opposition. The Board also unanimously approved proposed improvements to school property at Dandridge Elementary School with a motion from Board member Bradley and a second from Jarnigan. The final two items on the agenda dealt with 2013-2014 Budget Amendments and the approval of the 2014-2015 School Budget. Budget Amendment 13 was needed to move money to cover year end expenditures and to move funds to expend all of the Early Childhood Education Grant. This was approved with a motion from Bradley and a second from Jarnigan. The proposed budget for the 2014-2015 school year was presented by the Jefferson County Finance Department. After some discussion, the budget was passed as presented with a caveat that if the County Commission approves pay increases for county employees then non-certified school employees should also receive a pay increase. The Budget was passed with a motion from Board member Jarnigan and a second from Bradley and a vote of 4-1 (Cavanah, No). With no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.