School Board Gets Good Financial News
The Jasper County Board of Education saw a financial overview of the FY2012 budget that was closed out at the end of September.
They saw that the ending cash balance was $5.2 million and that the projected revenues under expenditures was better than budgeted by about $1.5 million, as the projected total was budgeted at 1,695,227 and the final on the year was only 165,625.
This number and the ending cash balance were both “good,” and was made possible by additional revenues from previous year Ad Valorem taxes, forest land monies, etc., Dr. Mike Newton, superintendent of schools explained.
“This is a little light for the system, however we are not out of the hole yet. We are still operating on 15 days less instruction, and less pay.”
Dr. Newton did mention that he heard that Newton County has predicted a resurgence in its housing market which he said was “nice to hear,” emphasizing how that revenue can trickle down and into Jasper County, and was a sign of local economies getting slightly better.
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Another hot topic of discussion was that of Amendment 1 that is on the ballot for the November 6 election. That Amendment reads:
Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options.
House Resolution No. 1162 Ga. L. 2012, p. 1364
Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?
( ) YES ( ) NO
(A copy of the wording of the amendment can be found on page 16 of today’s paper.)
Dr. Newton said “this has been one of the most interesting political discussions,” that he has ever encountered.
He felt the need to tell the board what they could do and not do as a result of lawsuits filed against school districts in Georgia, accusing them of working collaboratively to defeat this amendment.
He said that no school equipment or time should be used to either support to not support the amendment.
Personally, as an individual, board members are still entitled to free speech, therefore are allowed to have a personal, individual opinion.
Dr. Newton said that the amendment asks voters to approve an amendment to start a charter school board again.
He said that this will be an outside school not under the local BOE. Charter schools receive no local ad valorem tax dollars, but they do receive two and a half times more state money than the Jasper County public schools. Those that support the amendment say that these are still funded less than traditional public schools.
Dr. Newton said that his personal, individual opposition to this amendment is based on “our financial outlook in Jasper County.”
He feels that the amendment will put a strain on the already decreasing state budget. He has heard that it will not effect local public schools, but questions where the money will come from. Local control is also a factor in his opinion. He feels that “this” board was elected by the people, making it a voice for the public.
Board member Dr. Shannon Barton said “correct me if I’m wrong, but it takes money from public and will also effect private schools, as it is essentially a publicly funded private school.”
“It’s an issue of public control and I’m not sure that I want my child’s or any child’s education for profit,” said Dr. Newton.
He agrees that he is not opposed to charter schools, as there are some in the state doing well and “I support those,” said Dr. Newton.
“I encourage anyone to look at both sides and make an informed decision.”
“I feel that you should fund what you’ve got first, once this is adequately funded, then come to me with a charter school amendment.”
The board, which included Dr. Barton, Phyllis Norwood, and Bobby Norris voted to approve the resignation of Dapheny Hilley, Jasper County High School secretary; and the retirement of Ella Walker, teacher at JCMS at the end of December.
The board also approved miscellaneous surplus items to be scrapped, trashed or put out for bid. They also voted on final approval on two policies, Reduction in Force (RAKA) and on executive session (BCBK).
Approval was granted to fund raiser requests, and two use of facilities from the Jasper County Recreation Dept. and the Get Ahead House.
They discussed the old white building which sits in the 319 College Street parking lot be demolished. Ann Mercer, Jasper County Historical Foundation representative said that the labor could be used from the state prisoners currently aiding in the remodel and the only cost the BOE would incur would be the dumpster and the disposal of the building and contents.
