Knoxville —

April 6 Election & Energy Saving Opportunities – Dr. Flack shared information about the April 6 election, in which the public will be asked to renew the Revenue Purpose Statement for revenues received through the state-wide sales tax. Dr. Flack emphasized projects that would create opportunities to reduce energy expenditures, especially the replacement of boilers and windows in five buildings. Revenues from the sales tax may only be used for physical plant projects. Using physical plant money to improve energy efficiency would have a direct impact on the General Fund. Paying lower energy costs would result in more money being available for educational purposes.



KEA Contract Proposal – Marty Duffy presented the KEA’s initial proposal for amendments to the Master Contract. The proposal calls for a 6% increase in spending for teacher salary and benefits. This amounts to an increase of nearly $600,000. The Board will present a counter-proposal at the February 8 meeting.



Program Study Committee Report – Because one meeting was canceled due to inclement weather, the committee has not been able to address many issues related to facility use. The committee will meet Wednesday, January 27 and Monday, February 1.



Budget Issues – Dr. Flack and Mr. Mobley shared information about budget issues. They met with Leslie Miller and Tim McDonald to discuss budget concerns, January 22. Mr. Mobley shared information related to reductions in spending, increasing revenues, and short-term borrowing. Based on lost revenues during the past year, and limited revenues over the next two years, it is estimated that the district will need to reduce expenditures from $600,000 to $1 million. It is likely that the district will need to approve a Cash Reserve Levy in order to increase spending authority and build cash reserves over the next 3-5 years. Because the Cash Reserve Levy is funded entirely through property taxes, it is likely that these changes need to occur over time, rather than in one or two years. The district will continue to find it necessary to borrow funds through the ISCAP program to meet short-term cash flow requirements.



Disposition of Old Jr. High Building – Dr. Flack shared information related to the demolition or sale of the old junior high building. Dr. Flack contacted two local realtors, both of whom indicated there would be little likelihood of selling the building if there were restrictions as to how the building would be used. In addition, the roof would need to be replaced and asbestos floor tiles would need to be removed. Those projects would cost nearly $200,000. Board members previously asked for information regarding the structural “soundness” of the building. Dr. Flack has contacted an architect who will arrange an assessment by a structural engineer as soon as the weather improves. Dr. Flack provided updates on estimates for the demolition of the building. The estimates range from $125,000 to $275,000.



2010-11 Calendar – Board members approved the 2011-12 calendar. A summary is attached.



School Schedule, 2009-10 – Due to the number of weather-related cancellations (8), the last day of classes will be Monday, June 7. Dr. Flack will poll staff to gauge interest in scheduling work days or school days on a Saturday or two. At this time, the Department of Education does not permit the extension of school days to make up for lost days.



Support Staff and Administrative Staff Reduction-in-Force and Recall Procedures – Board members approved procedures for “reduction-in-force” and recall for support staff and administrative personnel. The procedures are attached. These procedures will be followed if it becomes necessary to reduce staff.

Jazz Band Trip – The board approved a Jazz Band trip to Indian Hills Community College and to Kirksville, MO.



Information Items – Dr. Flack shared information about legislative issues.



Closed Session – The Board entered Closed Session to hold a contract negotiations strategy session.



The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be Monday, February 8, 2010, 5:00 p.m., in the Board of Education Meeting Room.





Look for a full report on the Knoxville School Board in the Jan. 29 Journal-Express.