Fulton County BOE approves bus purchase, tables student travel

Fulton County Board of Education met in a Special Called meeting on Oct. 26, with board members Brian Emmons, Rob Garrigan, and Barry Patrick meeting in person, and Kim Hagler and Perry Turner meeting via Zoom.

Board members discussed a student Cross Country State Competition to Paris, about five hours away.

Hagler said, “I am very transparent. I will not vote for this. With COVID cases on the rise and putting kids in a room by themselves, we have to think about being responsible and at the end of the day, I am not going to vote for this. We have to look at what is best for our students and I realize this will make some mad.”

Hagler asked if the children would be tested when they returned from the competition.

Following discussion, the Board tabled the decision until they find out more information and meet later this week and to see if parents will be going before deciding.

Superintendent PaTrice Chambers reported the notification of personnel actions with the hiring of Ashley Burton and Victoria Falgout as food service substitutes.

During the Superintendent’s Report, Chambers reported she had met last week in an assembly for staff, with Terrance Talley presenting a motivational speech for the staff via Zoom. Chambers said she appreciated Brandon Uzzle, Family resource and Youth Services Center getting the presentation. Uzzle has also scheduled a band for a virtual concert with the students, which will be a motivational type concert.

Chambers said she has been meeting with the principals on the professional growth plans. As far as her professional growth plan, Chambers is planning a “Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent”, where the community can come in and have discussion. She would like for this to be on Fridays, beginning the first of November, and is excited to hear and listen to the community, she said.

Board member Hagler asked if Chambers was planning on using via Zoom or face-to-face, with Chambers replying she would like to have one at a time and possibly Zoom later. Appointments would be made.

Chambers said she is excited to see what the community has to say and excited to share the great things going on in the District.

Supt. Chambers recommended the Board to approve a revised Maintenance/Transportation Contract to exempt a supervision from Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is a supervisory and salary position.

The BOE approved the Revised BG-1, including partial renovations of the elementary/middle school, high school and Four Rivers Career Academy.

Board members discussed a bus purchase partially through KISTA and Volkswagen Funds.

Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Davis said, “The District was notified the first of October of how much funds will be received. It was an application process for any one that has a 2001 or older bus, that is still in daily operation, could apply for the funds. Fulton County only had one bus to qualify. The Volkswagen Funds will notify by Nov. 1 of how much of the funds will be eligible for the bus. It is up to 50% of the base price of the bus, and comparable to what is being replaced.”

The total price of the bus was $112,595, with 50% being $76,297.50 or less. The only option that is needed for this bus is tinted windows for $940.

Chairman Garrigan said, “We added air conditioning last time, because we decided it was easier to keep the bus clean.”

Davis continued, “We were told we did not need any under carriage or storage, because the last bus had it and it is not usually needed, because a van is used. The cost will be $57,237.50 and we could add air conditioning. The Bonding at Ross Sinclair has to be in by Nov. 15 and our next meeting is Nov. 19. I have talked with them and was told we have a few dates, as long as we approve the purchase of a bus tonight and could wait until Nov. 19.

The Board voted to approve to order the bus and add air conditioning, with all figures to be reviewed at next month’s meeting.

A Specialized Special Education Program Assistant I with Job Grade of 11 was approved for a new special education position. There are several students with specialized needs and someone is needed besides the teacher to be certified to teach the special education students.

Chambers recommended an Emergency Certification for Brian Hood for Chemistry, which was approved by the Board.

The Financial Report was given by Davis.

“Revenues to date are pretty much the same at $758,998.46, and actual carryover at $1,658,075, against a budget of $5,007,344, or 33.11 %. Last year-to-date was $1,648,577.10, against a budget of $4,911,562, or 33.6%. Expenses thus far are $716,523.16, against a budget of $5,007,344, or 14.31%. Last year-to-date expenses were $791,208, against a budget of $4,911,562, or 16.11%,” Davis said.

Board members voted to go into Closed Session pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(f) for the purpose of personnel, returned to open session with no action taken.