Jasper County School District Approves FY14 Budget at Board Meeting

Sep 26, 2013 6:44 AM

At their September Board Meeting, the Jasper County School Board held a public hearing to discuss the Proposed 2013-2014 District Budget. According to Superintendent Dan Cox, no residents came in to inspect the budget during the thirty day public hearing. Cox points out that a school's budget is different than how a business or individual will manage their budget.

With Springfield behind in general state aide and transportation payments along with the ongoing Pension Reform battles, it is difficult for any School Superintendent to put together a budget. Cox told WRJM News that Jasper County Schools tries to put together a realistic and conservative budget.

The Fiscal Year 2014 District Budget did get approved by the school board later on during the meeting.

During their administrative reports, the Annual Yearly Progress, or AYP, report was discussed. The Jasper County School District did not meet AYP. The reason why, according to Cox, was because the cut scores have changed and it limited how many students met or exceeded certain standards.

The district did enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Jasper County Ambulance Service. This will allow the district to utilize their buses in the event of a mass casualty event that happens on school grounds.

A change to the Graduation Requirement list was approved at their September Meeting. Cox told WRJM News that the school board approved to remove driver education as a requirement because it might pose a problem for some special needs students within the district.

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According to Cox, the board considered to Issue a Notice of Intent for a Performance Contract to Implement Energy and Operational Conservation Measures for the entire district.

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Upon exiting from closed session, the board hired a Bus Driver, Assistant Football Coach, 8th Grade Volleyball Coach, recognized any staff resignations and retirements, and acted on an Intergovernmental Agreement regarding a settlement with Ameren.

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The School Board's Consent Agenda was also approved at their meeting. According to Cox, these items are routine in nature and don't necessarily need to be discussed at length.