School Board Steps Up for Students and Staff in Light of Proposed Changes at Mountain View Youth Development Center
In unanimous action Thursday evening, March 23, 2017, the Jefferson County School Board approved a resolution drafted by Director of Jefferson County Schools Edmonds that goes on record in opposition to changes that may be contemplated by the State of Tennessee regarding educational placement of inmates at Mountain View Youth Development Center and any intent to place those inmates in the Jefferson County School System. Director Edmonds stated that, in light of a resent resolution that was passed by the Jefferson County Commission regarding the proposed changes at Mountain View, he comprised a resolution that would make the position of the Jefferson County School Board clear to the Tennessee Department of Human Services and the Commissioner of Juvenile Justice. The resolution will also be sent to Jefferson County’s State Representatives and State Senators, as well as the U.S. Representatives and Senators that represent Jefferson County. Board Member Potts moved the resolution and it was 2nd by Board Member Solomon.
Other action taken by the School Board included the approval of the consent agenda which was moved by Board Members Jarnigan and Solomon, as well as some general housekeeping budget amendments and one amendment that included the rescinding of previous motions for the reallocation of funds previously dedicated to the 2016/2017 capital projects list to the White Pine School project. In Thursday’s motion the funds were reinstated to address the capital project needs on the approved project list, allowing the School Board to gain access to paving funds that were attached to, but not funded inside of, a fully funded 2016/2017 capital projects list. A fully funded capital projects list was a requirement of the County Commission to address on going needs in various schools across the County and eliminate the need for “emergency” funding that had become problematic in previous budget cycles. In return the County Commission approved a split of left over funding from previous building projects, allowing the School Board to use nearly $200,000 for paving projects. Budgeted capital projects funds, also around $200,000 , were recently allocated to pay for a band room at White Pine School and those funds are still in place and were not a part of the action that was taken Thursday evening. Band room funding and paving funding come from two separate sources of money and are independent of each other.
Information provided to the School Board from Jefferson County Finance Director Potts indicated that the sales tax revenue for February is, again, down month to month though it is still up year to date. Director Potts stated that he is watching the numbers and shared the information because part of the funding for the Department of Education is tied to sales tax revenue. He also stated that the internal school funds audit is complete and introduced a representative from the audit company who gave a brief overview of the audit and findings, which were minimal.
Director Edmonds stated that the budget process is going well and the Department of Education is working hard to bring in a level budget, taking into consideration uncontrollable increases. The first draft of the 2017/2018 budget is due in the finance office on March 24th and the School Board will get its first look at the draft document on April 13th. The School Board will address the budget at their regular meeting on April 27, 2017.
