Jefferson-Morgan School Board seeks $2 million loan as budget impasse continues
JEFFERSON — Jefferson-Morgan is now among the growing number of area school districts seeking to take out a loan to fund operational expenses during the state’s continuing budget impasse.
Directors voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize administration to begin proceedings for the application of a loan in lieu of a state budget, but not before two board members expressed anger and regret over having to do so.
“I wish I could say no, but our government is not doing their job,” said board Vice President Bob Mitchell. “I wish there was some way … we could withhold our money from them and see how they feel, but ultimately, it’s the kids who suffer. Unfortunately, we are going to have to vote yes.”
The district will be borrowing about $2 million from First National Bank. Approximately $10,000 of the amount to be repaid will go toward interest fees.
“I want the public to know that that money could have been used for something else,” said director Cindy Jento.” That’s $10,000 of their taxes going toward this, but the alternative isn’t acceptable. We are doing this for no other reason except to keep our doors open and so that people won’t lose their jobs.”
Acting Superintendent Craig Baily said that federal programs and funding had been approved, and that funds should begin flowing as a state budget is passed. No funding has flowed since July, he noted.
Also at the meeting, district Business Manager Jennifer Foringer reported that a recent audit by Cypher and Cypher had been completed with no findings, and showed that the district had “finished in the black” for the year ending on June 30, 2015.
“I’m happy to report that,” Foringer said.
Bailey said he hopes to report more at next month’s meeting about a Town Hall Committee Extension recently spearheaded by 13th Judicial District Judge Farley Toothman. Bailey is one of five area school district superintendents meeting monthly as a committee and working with the state Attorney General’s Office to discuss and formulate better ways to deter school-aged children from heroin use, a problem that has plagued the county for years.
He said that state Rep. Pam Snyder has requested that assemblies be held targeting high schools.
“I’m going to keep the board up to speed on these meetings,” he said.
In other business, directors:
n Agreed to purchase a one-year subscription to IXL Learning for grades 3-6 at a cost of $3,187.50 with Title I funds, as budgeted.
n Agreed to rehire the following football coaches and volunteers for the 2016-17 school year: Aaron Giorgi, head coach; William Phillips, assistant coach; Brandon Robinson, assistant coach; Dennis Garret, assistant coach; David Devecka, assistant coach; David Gamble, assistant coach; Luke Lubich, assistant coach; and Jonathan Meyer, volunteer.
n Announced that the next legislative meeting will be held on Jan. 19.