School Board To Send Balanced Budget To Committee
The Jefferson County School Board met for their Regular Monthly Meeting on June 24, 2014 at the Patriot Academy.
Chairman of the Board Potts Called the Meeting to Order. Absent from Roll Call were Board Members Jarnigan, Vines and Lowery. The Agenda was Approved with a Motion from Board Member Bradley and 2nd from Board Member Rogers. The Consent Agenda was Approved with a Motion from Rogers and 2nd from Bradley.
Under New Business, Director of Jefferson County Schools Edmonds informed the Board that an adequate settlement had not been reached with Travelers Insurance concerning the collapse of the roof in Jefferson County High School Building 8. He introduced Chris Haggerty, who will be representing the Jefferson County Schools in the claim process with Travelers and who recommended filing suit in Chancery Court to require the insurance company to bring the building up to 2006 building code. Board Member Bradley made a Motion on the recommendation and was 2nd by Rogers. The Motion was Unanimously Approved.
Upon a Motion from Rogers and 2nd from Bradley, the Board Approved membership dues in the amount of $4,500 to Tennessee School Systems for Equity. Bradley/Rogers also successfully moved to Approved dues for Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents @ $2,826 and American Association of School Administrator for $441.
Jefferson County Finance Director Helton brought budget amendments for the federal and student nutrition budget, as well as the school general fund. While most were general housekeeping, Helton presented a fund balance impact of $227,692 for expenses associated with operation of plant for electricity, natural gas, water and sewer and building & content insurance. Helton stated that he anticipates enough rolling into fund balance to cover the amended expense. With a Motion from Bradley and 2nd from Rogers the amendments were Approved.
Upon a Recommendation by Director Edmonds and with a Motion from Bradley/Rogers the Board Approved the declaration of surplus property in the student nutrition program, transportation department and disposal of a bus.
Helton informed the Board that auditor requested funds that were not used in the current fiscal year that are project specific be placed into a reserve account to keep from rolling into fund balance. Three projects funding were requested to go into a reserve account at a total of $110,000 for a hand washing station, Maury roofing and repair work at Rush Strong. With a Motion from Bradley and 2nd from Rogers the request was Approved. The Board declined to make a motion to include additional funds for another project that will likely not make the 2013-2014 fiscal year cut because the amount of the project was not firm.
Under Unfinished Business, Director Edmonds informed the Board that the lighting project for the Jefferson Middle School Football Field was removed from the Capitol Projects list by the Jefferson County Commission Budget Committee. Still on the Capitol Projects List are security systems and baseball lights. Edmonds presented the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget with the additional cuts in the amount of $308,727. The amount cut was at the mandate of the Jefferson County Budget Committee and came in the areas of personnel (through attrition), equipment, professional development, other supplies and materials and across the departments of operation of plant, maintenance of plant, transportation and technology. Nearly $213,000 was trimmed from personnel and slightly more than $91,000 across departments to cover the bulk of the cuts. Upon a Motion from Rogers and 2nd from Cavanah the budget, including cuts, was Approved.
Director Edmonds informed the Board that Dominque Salaciak has been selected as the Director of Secondary Education and Assessment, replacing resigning Ruth Pohlman. Salaciak has served as principal of Meadow View Middle School in Hamblen County.
