LMSD Board of Trustees discuss finances, school starting

The Winston County Journal

The Louisville Municipal Board of Trustees dealt with several issues in the August meeting including an increase in Ad Valorem Tax Request.

The LMSD board voted 3-2 to request a four percent increase in Ad Valorem taxes. Board member Bobby Moody who voted against the increase had submitted a motion to collect only the amount of revenue it had collected last year and to make cuts in other areas instead of increasing taxes.

"I say we collect the same amount as last year," said Moody. "With the loss of jobs we need to make an effort not to get more taxes but to live within a budget."

Moody also requested the board and superintendent examine cuts that could be made in the district.

"We could reduce the non classroom teacher expenses to cover the shortfall," said Moody.

Business manager Tracy Luke explained the district had a $300,000 shortfall last year while Superintendent Bill Wade explained that the schools were looking at about 1.1 million in state and federal funding cuts.

"If we don't get the 4 percent increase we can expect a 1.5 million or more shortfall," said Superintendent Wade.

Wade added that he would be looking at making cuts in the district.

"We need to study possible cuts," said Wade.

Moody's motion to collect the same dollars as last year failed 2-3 gaining fellow board member Cathy Edwards support.

After the approval of the four percent increase, Dr. Mark Donald noted that the state's audit report reflected that the school district had done well to keep the millage rate low.

In line with the idea of budget cuts, Moody questioned several expenditures on the claims docket for the month especially focusing on the construction projects that delayed the start of school.

"What did we get from that ($11,000 invoice from Shelton Jones Architect) other than a delay in school," Moody asked. "Wasn't part of his job to keep the job on time?"

Superintendent Wade noted that that was part of Shelton Jones job.

Moody added that he had suggested on two occasions that a project manager be hired.

"Someone needs to be held responsible," said Moody. "The contractor or the architect especially with what we are paying should be held responsible for the delay."

Moody also questioned if any deadlines were in the contracts. Superintendent Wade said he would verify that but had not had a chance to review that part of the contract with his new role of superintendent.

Superintendent Wade did note that the five days would have to be made up and that he would have a plan together to accomplishment it.

Although school started Thursday, August 13 construction continued on Fair Elementary.

¥ In other business, the board:

¥ Heard a request from Moody, which he had made in March. He requested from the district a listing of all nonclassroom personnel along with their position, salary and location of their work. He requested the list include all clerical, principals, assistant principals and administrators. He requested a list of all personnel receiving any supplements above their regular pay and their positions. He requested a list of all nonstudent-transporting vehicles owned by the district and any travel logs connected to the vehicles. "A travel log will help you cut down vehicle expenses," said Moody. He requested a list of all expenditures on a specific piece of Six Section property versus revenues. He requested a salary schedule for the Sixteen Section land manager and the job description for the position. Moody noted he requested information on these funding items since most of theses positions, items or other inquires were paid mainly with local tax dollars.

¥ Heard a request from Cathy Edwards to review the "excessive punishment" for six tardys. Assistant Superintendent Ken McMullan clarified that the tardys as he understood it were six in one class period not six total. Supt. Wade noted he would review the policy as well as the intent and the board could address at the next meeting.

¥ Approved 8 volunteer mentors for the Dropout Prevention Program with Donald asking how many were needed in the program and concerned there were not enough volunteers.

¥ Approved the claims docket after discussions on expenditures such as $2,013 in shrubbery at LHS and the expense of Adam and Reese attorneys especially for their travel from Jackson. Wade noted that the district is examining conferencing the attorneys in via online or phone in order to save travel expenses.

¥ Discussed audit report and need for better tracking of athletic gate funds.

¥ Approved an agreement with Mississippi State University to hire a counselor intern for Louisville Elementary. They also approved to split a person between Nanih Waiya and Noxapater.

¥ Approved student transfers to and out of the district with one student denied transfer.

¥ Approved two positions at vocational center since grant funding for the positions was now in place.

¥ Approved hiring percussion help for the band as contract labor.

¥ Completed school board survey of legislative priorities.

¥ Submitted an evaluation to the school board association on the superintendent search.

¥ Approved Supt. Wade to seek federal stabilization funds for building projects. The funds would have to be repaid but are at zero percent interest. "The needs are out there (in the district) for the funds," said Wade.

¥ Approved advertising for a 640 acre Sixteen Section hunting lease. Tabled a decision to renew the lease or change a 30-acre agricultural lease to timberlands. Sixteen Section manager Hal Overstreet recommended reclassifying the land as timberland rather than renewing the lease. Overstreet noted he felt the trees could yield more than the $8 an acre lease but Moody pointed out the lessee was also paying taxes on the property, which benefited the county and school district. The matter was tabled since the lease does not expire until November and other board members wish to calculate the best option.

¥ Held executive sessions on zoning issues and possible litigation.

In the consent agenda the board approved:

¥ the minutes from the July 21 and July 29 special meeting.

¥ Approved disposable of unusable textbooks.

¥ Approved teacher, cafeteria, custodian and bus driver substitute list.

The next regular scheduled board meeting will be Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Central Office.

The Louisville Municipal Trustees are Mark Donald, Claire Crowell, Jerry Webb, Cathy Edwards, and Bobby Moody.