Madison Board of Education approves $96,660,351 budget
Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said some good news was involved with the 2013 budget for Madison City Schools.
In its second round of budget hearings, Madison Board of Education approved the $96,660,351 budget.
“In last five years, all we’ve had is bad news … proration, proration, proration,” Fowler said. “The good news is that there is no bad news. We’re elated about that. This budget will give us room to grow and met needs.”
Director of Operations Patrick Conner detailed revenues from local, state and federal sources and the school district’s expenditures. Mike Weaver, chief school finance officer, is on military leave.
Transportation expenses increased by $224,698 for fleet maintenance, and fleet renewal (new vehicles) is $273,697. The general fund stands at $70,487,974. “Salary and benefits pulled out of general fund is 78 percent at $55,581,201,” Conner said.
In addition, the board approved the district’s Capital Plan, a requirement for disbursement of any BRAC money.
“BRAC will have a significant financial impact to Madison City Schools with $20 million. We have to pay back half of it. This capital plan emphasizes safety and security, along with heating and air conditioning, land purchase for a future elementary school and renovation at Bob Jones High School,” Conner said.
With opening of Target and peripheral businesses, sales tax revenues for the district increased 14.47 percent in October-June 2012, compared to that time period in 2011, Conner said.
In other business, Daniel Whitt was commended for receiving the Quest for Excellence Award from Sci-Quest Hands-On Science Center. Whitt teaches digital journalism and helps teachers in integrating technology at James Clemens High School.
Whitt is changing the paradigm in education to allow students to apply current technology to classroom subjects, secondary education director Dr. Camille Wright said.
Liberty Middle School has been named as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
The board voted to replace Liberty Middle School’s cafeteria roof; dispose or sell a 1999 Chevrolet mini-bus; and accept lawn care bids from Atchley Lawn Care, Dakota Management and Kickin Grass and chemical lawn treatments from Tru Green and Turf Doctor.
The sports medicine and sponsorship agreement with Huntsville Hospital and The Orthopedic Center was approved.
The board approved May, June and July 2012 financial and bank reconciliation statements, which had been delayed because of computer network failure in May. “We are now caught up with financial reporting due to network problems,” board president Ray White said. “It was a load to bear to correct the data loss.”
Aaron New has been hired as network specialist.
Kevin Gunnison, James Clemens senior construction manager, said completion of athletic fields is the top priority now. The auditorium’s curtains, lighting and sound equipment will be installed within the next 10 days, allowing the board of education to conduct its Oct. 2 meeting there.
