Committee approves vo-tech budget for fiscal year
The Joint Operating Committee of Fayette Career and Technical Center gave approval to its 2013-14 budget at its regular meeting on Monday.
The board approved the budget, which reflects a 2.9 percent increase in contributions from each of the four feeding districts: Albert Gallatin, Brownsville, Laurel Highlands and Uniontown school districts.
The final budget sets expenditures at $5.49 million; local, state and federal revenue receipts are $2.12 million and receipts from member districts are $3.36 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
Dr. Edward Jeffreys, executive director at Fayette CTI, said budget approval keeps the school moving ahead.
“This budget will permit us to follow through with the exciting programs we have started,” said Jeffreys.
Committee members Stella Broadwater, Jeff Bayne and Lloyd Williams were not present at the meeting. Directors Philip Holt and Thomas George passed on the budget vote.
Jeffreys also made a request of the board about the future of the school’s welding program.
In a presentation, Jeffreys requested the directors seek approval from individual school boards to make a $499,000 capital investment in its welding program, which he explained is preparing students for jobs in the gas and oil industry.
“After completing the program, if they want to work, they can go directly into the industry,” said Jeffreys.
Jeffreys wants to expand the program at the vocational school to meet the industry demands for skilled labor while also opening up the facilities for welding adult education programs, which will bring in revenue he said.
“Most importantly we are looking for approval for the welding program, which has been tweaked to meet industry standards,” said Jeffreys.
The school has secured grant funding for the expansion, which will cover the costs Jeffreys indicated.
Committee members will take the recommendation to school boards in member district for a vote on the measure.
The committee also gave approval to the following:
n PNC Bank as the lending institution for the coming fiscal year.
n David Garltiz, PSBA (insurance) agent, for school insurance policies at a total cost of $56,826, a $1,145 increase from this current fiscal year.
n Revised grading scale for upcoming school year upon the recommendation of staff, changing failing status from 50-59 to 0-59.
n Moved part-time academic facilitator position to full time for a salary of $31,600.
n Jeffreys making necessary budgetary transfers as needed for the school as well as transferring, investing and re-investing all monies in accordance with state rules and regulations.
n Participation in state Department of Education technical assistance program and the Challenge Program.
n Utilizing the Fayette CTI building for adult education classes Monday through Saturday.
n Two days’ notice be given to committee members for committee meetings. This measure was passed following a request from Holt, who said it was difficult for him to attend meetings with only 24 hours’ notice.