Designer’s recommendation considered for Fulton Co. Elementary/MS kitchen

Fulton County Board of Education met in regular session Sept. 26, in the Board Conference Room with Board members Rob Garrigan, Kimberly Hagler, Perry Turner, and Superintendent Aaron Collins attending.

Supt. Collins notified the Board of personnel actions including the hiring of Melinda Cagle and Fonda Swain, bus monitors and classified substitutes; Brook Cermak, bus monitor; Kayla Mathis, Michael Baggett, and Trina Capps, certified substitutes; Jessica Goodman, classified substitute; and Jared Warner, middle school assistant football coach. Resignations were received from Melinda Cagle, bus monitor; and Jamie Madding, assistant track coach.

Supt. Collins informed the Board about kitchen repairs, including the freezer at the high school, coolers, stove, steamer, dishwasher, and counter at the elementary school have been repaired.

“We have enlisted the assistance of Ronnie Rorer of C&T Design and Equipment of Paducah to assist us to make sure we are using the dishwasher correctly and the possible redesign of the dishwasher area. If you recall, there is no preservice sink, water sprayer, or garbage disposal prior to the dishwasher, as we have at the high school. Ronnie believes there might be some modifications we can do with the current dishwasher to improve the demand and quality of washing dishes. If not, then I will come back to the Board and talk about adding a preservice sink, water sprayer, and garbage disposal to that area,” Collins reported.

Board chairman Garrigan said, “Whatever we need to do to make it right.”

“Ok. What I will do with this is take his recommendations. If it will not work, then I will go ahead with the next step in the process of redesigning it,” Collins said.

Collins stated he was grateful with Julie Jackson, the Athletic Department, and principals involved with work they completed on Title IV audit.

“We have a whole student approach to learning with PaTrice Chambers overseeing the development of our teaching learning circles, as well as, our professional development concerning academics and appreciate her being here this evening,” Collins stated.

“Administrators are focused on curriculum math, academics standards, and student data on engaged learning with Rigor. Diane Owen is assisting the administration in organizing and implementing intervention time, which the elementary, middle, and high schools have already looked at, redone and continue to work at because our RTI is a process,” he said.

“Parents will notice the difference in Rigor. Students will come home discussing their intervention time, as the time will enhance student abilities and increase their literacy skills. We’re emphasizing literacy, fluency and blends in reading. Overall, our students have strong oral communication and comprehension skills. So, we need to assist them in working with their literacy skills,” Collins continued.

“The Five-Star rating system will be released on Oct. 1 and will not define who we are, but will tell us where we need to improve. We are already using that data to increase academic proficiency in reading, writing, and math in all grade levels,” stated Collins.

The Board was updated regarding construction, as of Sept. 26, is down to a punch list, including bleachers, groundwork, door hardware, ensuring all door locks are working order.

Garrigan asked, “What all do we lack on the bleachers?”

Collins reported, “The track side, the back half. Once the back half come in, we will level the ground better. Then the dirt work, sod work, fencing and we just ordered the PA system for the track field, baseball and softball. We are still $60,000 in contingency on the construction.”

Collins reminded the Board that Fulton County Schools is highest ranked for nutrition and wellness in the state.

Jennifer Davis, Financial Officer for Fulton County Board of Education, presented the 2019-2020 Working Budget.

“These numbers are tentative, and we will probably go back up,” reported Davis.

“Total Revenue is at $4,911,000, was $5,011,000, a $100,000 difference. We decided to go ahead and take out now. It will probably come back with the ADA (Average Daily Attendance), where we think it will come back in the final numbers. We decided to be conservative instead of aggressive, in the budget,” continued Davis.

“Looking at last year’s actual budget of $6,247,000, which is $1,442,000, prior year is $4,805,000, we are still within range with $100,000 more than last year’s actuals. Two years ago, you’re looking at $5,751,000, it is at $4,316,000 spent. Our revenue and expenses are exactly the same,” reported Davis.

The School System went from two years ago with a carry forward balance of $143,000, to last year having a carry forward balance of $669,000. The carry forward this year will be $899,000.

When Davis ran the salary budget numbers, the System is at 63.10% in salary benefits, which is excellent according to Davis. They try to stay at 70% mark. The Board added $216,000 in salaries with new positions, classified increases, certified rank, and years of service changes.

Davis reported, “Financials for the month of August, total revenues are at $529,000, 10.77% of the budget collected so far. Last year we collected $473,000, or 10.16% of the budget. We are collecting about the same rate today, as we were last year. Total expenses are at $456,000, or 9.28% of the budget. Last year we had spent $446,000, or 9.57%, still right on target with spending and collecting revenue.”

Collins stated there are 648 students enrolled at Fulton County Schools, with 78 being preschool students, a 10% increase over the last 10 years.

Board members Jacob Goodman and Barry Patrick were absent.