Board approves tentative budget, discusses sanctions

By SHARON K. HALL

The Knott County Board of Education has approved the 2015-2016 tentative budget. Board members were pleased with the budget presented to them by finance officer Greg Conn. It included funds for eight new buses and still included a contingency of four percent. Last year the tentative budget was initially short of the required two percent contingency mandated by state.

School administration used proactive solutions to address budget challenges. Conn said they are continuing to monitor spending, monitor student insurance claims, utilize all funds, and absorb positions through retirements. Salary is 76 percent of the general fund in the tentative budget. Superintendent Kim King said the percentage is good but last year’s percentage of 85 percent was not.

Projected ADA or average daily attendance in the school system is projected to be 2,120 – down a little. The total budget for Fund 1 is $16,952,627. Most of the fund is set aside for certified and classified salaries. The total projected personnel cost is $12,745,533.

The bulk of revenue will come from SEEK money – $9,859,127. SEEK is a basic funding formula used to allocate state dollars to school districts. The state will allot a set amount for each student taking into consideration additional needs such as exceptional students, economically disadvantaged students, and transportation. If the state revenue predictions are wrong, districts may lose or gain funding at the end of the school year.

Property tax is expected to bring in $3,650,000. Public service, motor vehicle tax, utility tax, teletax, and interest contribute a small amount of revenue.

Big expenses other than salary are transportation, travel, bus debt service, bonds, and vehicles. The biggest utility expense is electricity and is projected at $742,492.

Supertintendent King had negative news from KSHAA concerning Cordia fines imposed last year. The KSHAA organization is demanding $26,000 in sanctions. If it is not paid KSHAA will take Cordia students out of all their sports activities.

“I just hate to take those kids out of playing,” said King. “I asked the KSHAA board if we could have the option of paying the $26,000 in divided quarterly payments. I haven’t heard back from the board.”

The majority of the fine, about $24,000, came from one student. KSHAA assessed a penalty of $1,000 for every game he played. He came from Texas and had not played varsity ball in that state. However, KSHAA discovered he had played varsity ball in another state.

Dennis Jacobs asked, “Should Cordia be responsible for part of that?”

King expects to be in communication soon with KSHAA and will contact each board member for their input.

Dustin Combs said they are getting two professional development grants totaling approximately $50,000.

Janet Spare explained the request for a contract between the Knott County school district and Barry Adkins, a certified psycologist. A couple of students have very specific needs and should have a specialized evaluation. The board approved her recommendation for Barry Adkins.

Three bids for photography services were approved by the board. Having three companies gives each schools a choice. Lifetouch, Photo Genius, and Sheffield Photography were the three bids approved Tuesday night.

The audit for the district was very good. Seventeen people came to the district to audit 11 programs.

“We came out with good reviews. Not anything was found noncompliant,” said King.

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