Jacksonville, AL – Board of Education Work Session and Meeting August 27th, 2024
- Call to Order
- Roll Call – All Present
- Approve Agenda – Unanimously Approved
- Approve Minutes of the July 11, 2024 Jacksonville City Schools Board Meeting and the July 24, 2024 Jacksonville City Schools Special Called Board Meeting – Unanimously Approved
- Public Comments on Agenda Items – None
- JCS FY 2024-2025 Proposed Budget – First Hearing
- The Jacksonville City School Board reviewed the proposed budget for the FY 2024-2025, with significant attention given to reducing the financial burden on teachers who often pay out-of-pocket for classroom supplies. The discussion highlighted various fund types and their allocations, including the general fund, special revenue, debt service, capital projects, and fiduciary funds. Each of these funds covers different categories of expenditure, such as instruction, instructional support, operations, transportation, administration, debt service, and other expenditures like preschool programs.A key focus of the budget goals is to maintain efficiency in operating the district, ensuring accountability for public resources, and adhering to the one-month fund balance requirement mandated by the State Department of Education. The board’s discussion emphasized that the general fund is largely driven by state revenues from the Foundation Program, which funds are based on student attendance and teacher qualifications as reported in the LEAPS report. This report is critical because inaccuracies can lead to significant underfunding, as seen in a previous incident with a nearby district.The budget discussion also highlighted the challenges related to teacher salaries, particularly the delay in funding adjustments for teachers who earn advanced degrees during the school year. The board acknowledged that while teachers’ pay is adjusted as soon as the State Department recognizes their new qualifications, the district does not receive funding for these increases until the following LEAPS reporting period.
The local funding requirement, primarily derived from property taxes, was discussed in detail. The board reviewed the city’s match requirement of 10 mills, which amounts to over $1 million for FY 2025. This funding is essential for the district to participate in the Foundation Program, which requires equitable allocation of funds across schools.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the financial strain on teachers, particularly new teachers who spend personal funds on classroom supplies before receiving their instructional fee money from the state. The board considered ways to support these teachers, possibly by establishing a fund to assist them in setting up their classrooms. They discussed the challenges faced by first-year teachers and those new to the district who often incur high costs before state funds are distributed, typically not until after October 1.
The discussion also touched on the increase in funding for school nurses, transportation, and other state programs, though these increases were noted to be modest compared to actual needs. The board also discussed local revenues, including ad valorem taxes, sales taxes, and various local taxes. Concerns were raised about the impact of changes in sales tax rules, particularly regarding online sales, which have implications for future revenue streams.
Overall, the budget discussion reflected a commitment to maintaining financial stability while addressing the practical needs of teachers and ensuring that the district can continue to provide quality education to its students. The board’s focus on reducing out-of-pocket expenses for teachers and ensuring accurate reporting for state funding were key themes throughout the meeting.
- The Jacksonville City School Board reviewed the proposed budget for the FY 2024-2025, with significant attention given to reducing the financial burden on teachers who often pay out-of-pocket for classroom supplies. The discussion highlighted various fund types and their allocations, including the general fund, special revenue, debt service, capital projects, and fiduciary funds. Each of these funds covers different categories of expenditure, such as instruction, instructional support, operations, transportation, administration, debt service, and other expenditures like preschool programs.A key focus of the budget goals is to maintain efficiency in operating the district, ensuring accountability for public resources, and adhering to the one-month fund balance requirement mandated by the State Department of Education. The board’s discussion emphasized that the general fund is largely driven by state revenues from the Foundation Program, which funds are based on student attendance and teacher qualifications as reported in the LEAPS report. This report is critical because inaccuracies can lead to significant underfunding, as seen in a previous incident with a nearby district.The budget discussion also highlighted the challenges related to teacher salaries, particularly the delay in funding adjustments for teachers who earn advanced degrees during the school year. The board acknowledged that while teachers’ pay is adjusted as soon as the State Department recognizes their new qualifications, the district does not receive funding for these increases until the following LEAPS reporting period.
- Finance Report – Unanimously Approved
- Accountability Report
- Financial Statement
- Combined Bank Reconciliation
- Recommendation to approve JCS Accounts Payable and Payroll for July, 2024 and accept the July, 2024 Financial Statements
- Recommendation to approve JCS Accounts Payable and Payroll for February 2024 and accept the February 2024 Financial Statements – Unanimously Approved
- Superintendent’s Report and new Business
- Recommendation to approve the Jacksonville City Schools 2024-2025 Supplement Salary Schedule
- Recommendation to approve the revised JCS Mental Health Services Coordinator 2024-2025 Salary Schedule
- Recommendation to approve a Guaranteed Energy Cost Saving Contract between Schneider Electric Buildings Americas, Inc. and JCS
- The supplementary budget item focuses on upgrading the high school’s central plant system, which includes four main components:
- Fluid Cooler Replacement: The current cooler is undersized for the school’s expanded area. A larger cooler will enhance efficiency and comfort.
- Boiler Replacement and Piping Modifications: The original boiler will be replaced with an all-electric model, which is cost-effective and eliminates the need for additional fire-rated modifications.
- Water Source Heat Pump Replacement: A new, quieter unit will improve the comfort of the media center.
- Controls and Integration Upgrades: The school’s outdated control system will be replaced, ensuring better management and reliability.
The project is on a tight schedule, with a pause planned between January and April to avoid disrupting school operations during the colder months. Equipment will be stored securely offsite before installation.
- The supplementary budget item focuses on upgrading the high school’s central plant system, which includes four main components:
- Personnel
- Confirm Date of Next Board Meeting
- September 9th at 5:30pm
- Board Member Comments
- During the board meeting, members expressed their appreciation and pride in various aspects of the school district and the city:
- Gratitude and Praise: A board member thanked Mrs. Blount for a great report and praised the city, highlighting the mayor, city manager, and city council for their commitment to investing in schools. They specifically commended the decision to allocate funds for the benefit of the children and staff, noting the addition of two personnel and resource officers.
- Athletic Achievements: Another member celebrated the strong start to the athletic year, particularly recognizing Coach Smith for his 100th win, acknowledging the collective effort of the staff and players.
- Community Traditions: A member shared a personal experience, expressing admiration for the local tradition of celebrating sports victories by driving around the town square, led by the police. They appreciated the community spirit and looked forward to participating again.
- AI Policy Recognition: The board also acknowledged the importance of their AI policy, noting that it was one of the few in place within the district. They thanked Technology Director Sean Hudgins for his leadership in developing and implementing this policy.
- During the board meeting, members expressed their appreciation and pride in various aspects of the school district and the city:
- Adjourn – Unanimously Approved
