Budget hearing, Bob Jones reno presented to board
A class at Liberty MIddle School. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – The first of two budget hearings was held during Madison Board of Education’s July 25 meeting.
State law dictates that school districts conduct public hearings during a regular board meeting. “Eighty percent of the budget is related to personnel,” Chief School Finance Officer Mike Weaver said. Other key factors are state funding, federal budget and local revenue and facilities.
Last year, the district grew by 315 students and about 17 teacher units.
The district’s budget involves five funds: general, special revenue, debt service, capital projects and fiduciary expendable trust. “Total funds for this year’s budget are $95 million,” Weaver said. “Madison’s capacity to raise funds per student ranks at 48th in the state at $9,515.41.” Madison’s per pupil expenditure is at 49th place.
This summer, three computer labs were added at Bob Jones High School, director of operations Patrick Conner said. Painting, security doors and camera installation and remodeling nurse’s offices are complete at several elementary schools. James Clemens High School’s football practice field had 150 tons of sand added.
At Liberty Middle School, the special education bathroom suite was remodeled. Horizontal beams at Rainbow Elementary School’s drive-through entrance were removed after numerous ‘collisions.’
Frank Nola Jr. with VanPeursem Architects and Kevin Gunnison with Volkert Inc. presented proposed renovations at Bob Jones. Their proposal includes fives phases at $36 million total cost. The plan has a ‘welcome center’ entrance, media center renovated for electronic functionality and a concourse connecting the eastern wing with cafeteria area.
In collaborating with Madison County Schools, the Madison City board approved $130,921.69 for its share from Regional Produce Distributors and $25,700.24 for Bimbo Bakeries bread. Other approvals were for milk and dairy, $205,160 and ice cream, $29,453.10.
The board heard the first reading of policy for self-reporting arrests and convictions. Employees must “report a reportable event … within three days … of the event.” The plan defines a reportable event as a misdemeanor or felony arrest or conviction, such as DUI.
Madison’s student population is 9,110, after 62 new students registered on July 23.
