In its second Budget Hearing, held Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Greene County Board of Education approved the system’s FY 2024-2025 proposed annual budget with projected revenues of $16,258,410 and expenditures of $16,151,057, which must be submitted to the State Department of Education by September 15. The budget decrease of approximately $5 million is due primarily to the exhaustion of the multi-year ESSER funds appropriated through the Congressional CARES ACT (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) to support school districts in addressing the impact of COVID 19. Board members present included Mr. Leo Branch, Mr. Robert Davis and Ms. Veronica Richardson.
The system currently has 145 employees, a decrease of 20 from the previous year. State earned units support 82.33 personnel; other state funds support 31.51 personnel; federal funds support 24.49 and local funds support 6.72 – totaling 145.05 school personnel.
Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison has entered into an agreement with the Board of Education to provide $60,000 per month (Gaming Funds) to assist the system in the following areas: Teacher and student aide salaries and benefits; Classroom technologies and supplies; Teacher enrichment expenses; student enrichment activities including field trips. Currently 4.5 teachers are budgeted from these funds, with two position expected to be added.
Regarding investments, the system’s CD at Synovus Bank has a current balance of $2,547,420.76, indicating an interest growth of $124,562.78. Lennon noted that new negotiations are underway for a rate increase.
Budgetary Highlights for FY 2025 included the following: System average daily Membership (ADM) decreased by 2.90; Funded teacher units decreased by 2.07; Classroom instructional supply funds – $900 per unit; Technology support – $500 per unit; Library enhancement – $157.72 per unit; common purchases – $100 per unit; Foundation Program increased by $417,397; Transportation funding decreased by $50,987; Capital funding increased by$5,853; Local millage match decreased by $63,055.
The system’s Federal Funds for FY 25 will be allocated as follows: Title I – Two teachers, one aid, and the overage of the Math Coach and Reading Intervention at EPS; Four teachers, one aid and the overage of Math Coach at RBMS; Two teachers and 40% of the Assistant Principal at GCHS. Title II – Employ one classroom reduction teacher at RBMS and support professional development across the District. Title IV: Phase 3 playground at RBMS and support study abroad for GCHS scholars. Title V: Technology for Career Center and support of the Peer Helper Program.
Child Nutrition Program revenues are budgeted at $900,000.
Ms. Marquita Lennon also presented the FY 2024 Wrap Up indicating supplemental appropriations for the following: Alabama Reading Initiative Grant for After School funded at $50,000; Education Trust Fund supplemented at $861,900; Career Tech O&M supplemented at $19,938; Textbook supplemented at $47,704; Nurses Salaries supplemented at $26,468 – all totaling $1,000.601.
In other business, the board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.
Resignation: Jasmine Armstead, Science teacher – GCHS, effective August 7, 2024.
Employment for the 2024 – 2025 school year:Mary McMillian – Bus Aide – GCSS; Debra Waiters – Part-time Parent Facilitator – GCSS; Marva Smith – Long-term substitute (ACCESS) – GCHS; Carla Russell – Bus driver for mid-day CTE route from GCCC to RBMS.
Authorization of the following employees to work Concessions and Ticket Booths for the 2024-2025 school year at the Greene County High School principal’s discretion: La Tanya Cockrell; Tracey Hunter; Sarah Brewer; Twelia Morris; Sharon Washington; Mary Henderson; Wanda Gaitor; Jacqueline Edwards – Custodial Services; 3-year Contract for CSFO, Marquita Lennon, effective September 1, 2024.
Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract); Patricia Maiden – Assistant Volleyball Coach.
The board approved the following administrative items.
* Travel to the 2024 CTE Vision Conference December 4-7, 2024 in San Antonio, TX for the following potential attendees: (pending budget approval):Teresa Atkins; Andrea Perry; Tamika Thompson; Angela White.
* Contract between Greene County High School and West Central Volleyball Officials Association for volleyball officials for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
* Contract between Greene County High School and West Central Football Officials Association for football officials for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
* Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Integrity Event Security Providers, LLC to provide concealed weapons detection services at Greene County High School and Robert Brown Middle School for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
* Purchase of a copier for central office from Dex Imaging in the amount of $14,590.