School Board Presented With First Look At Budget
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Piedmont Elementary School. The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman of the Board Potts. JCHS students that attended SCOPE gave a brief overview of the experience and received a certificate of participation from Director of Schools Edmonds. System level Teachers of the Year were introduced by their Principals. Bill Walker, Principal of White Pine School introduced Chaney Phagan-pre k-4th grade teacher of the year. Rush Strong Assistant Principal Lisa Haynes introduced Susan Martin-5-8th grade teacher of the year and JCHS Principal Scott Walker introduced Susan Stiner-JCHS teacher of the year.
Upon a Motion from School Board Member Vines and 2nd from School Board Member Rogers, the Minutes were Approved. The Consent Agenda was Approved with a Motion from School Board Member Jarnigan and 2nd from School Board Member Bradley.
Under Items for Information, Director of Schools Edmonds informed the Board that bids for renovation to Jefferson County High School are in review. 47 bid packages with multiple bidders are under consideration. Dr. Edmonds stated that the Board is expected to be presented a guaranteed maximum price for renovations at a Called School Board meeting next week. Don Devine gave an update on technology and presented the Board with some projections for equipment needs that will be addressed in the near future. Some portions of costs will be included in the 2013-2014 budget proposal, however, no costs associated with security upgrades will be included in the proposal.
The Board Passed on First Reading Policy Changes for Review and Adoption-5.113 In-Service and Professional Learning Opportunities, Fixed Asset Policy(New Policy), 4.209 Alternative Credit Options, 6.4001 Survey of Students(Motion-Jarnigan, 2nd-Rogers)
With a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Rogers, the Board Approved the use of the Fair Grounds for previous functions.
TSBA Membership Dues in the amount of $7,224 were Approved with a Motion from Bradley and 2nd from Board Member Lowery.
Dr. Edmonds brought a recommendation for Reading Text Book Adoption, which will integrate and marry some subject matter. The recommendation was Approved with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Board Member Cavanah.
2012-2013 Budget Amendments #8 from General Purpose Fund, #8 from Federal Purpose Fund and #1 from Food Service Fund were Approved with a Motion from Jarnigan and 2nd from Lowery. Line item moves were to fringe benefits, travel, other supplies and materials and other equipment.
A preview of the 2013-2014 Budget was presented to the Board for an initial review. Salaries were not included in the information but will be a part of the information provided later for review. Board Member Rogers requested information regarding salaries for cafeteria personnel. Dr. Edmonds stated that all non certified salaries need to be reviewed and that a decrease in cafeteria food sales (due largely to new federal guidelines) has impacted revenue in the Food Service Department.
Under Unfinished Business, Board Policies 3.202 Emergency Preparedness Plan-6.201 Compulsory Attendance Ages-6.304 Student Discrimination/Harassment and Bullying/Intimidation and Cyberbullying-6.4031 Head Lice-5.117 Procedure for Granting Tenure and 6.309 Zero Tolerance Offenses were Passed on Second Reading with a Motion from Bradley and 2nd from Vines. In response to a concern from Board Member Cavanah, Director Edmonds stated that the Head Lice policy is designed to encourage parents to rid students of adult lice and nits, however, discretion will be used in regard to truancy.
By recommendation of Dr. Edmonds and with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Lowery, the Board Approved the purchase of three used buses at a total cost of $158,500, leaving $9,500 in the Used Bus Fund.
Director of Business Affairs Phagan stated that he is investigating the possibility of a lease/purchase arrangement for the triple wide portable currently being leased by Jefferson County Schools. He informed the Board that the Department of Education purchased one of the leased portables because it was cost beneficial to the County to do so and that he will present requested numbers to the County Commission regarding the difference in savings if portables had been funded for removal at the time of the initial request.
Board Member Cavanah requested information on reported downgraded block used in the construction of Mount Horeb Elementary School. Director Edmonds stated that he had written confirmation that the block used was #1 grade block. He said that, cosmetically, he was not totally pleased with some of the block work, however, structurally the building was sound. Dr. Edmonds stated that he addressed the issue with the Construction Manager. The company that received the bid for the block work was almost $500,000 cheaper then the nearest competitor, according to Dr. Edmonds, and was employed as part of an effort to cut expenses.
