During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant concerns regarding the budget for transportation costs in the school district. The conversation highlighted issues related to delays in payments and a lack of clarity about the budget status.

One official pointed out that only $9.9 million was allocated for transportation, which is insufficient given the current expenditures. Originally, the city council had appropriated between $20 million and $22 million, but only $11 million was designated for non-net spending. This left the school district with limited funds for transportation, raising questions about how to cover the remaining costs.

Officials noted that there are two potential solutions to address the funding shortfall. The city council could approve additional funds, or the school department could report that it did not meet net school spending requirements, prompting the city to provide the necessary funding.

Another key point of discussion was the need for transparency regarding unpaid invoices. One member expressed frustration over not knowing which bills had been paid and emphasized the importance of having a clear list of outstanding payments. This information is crucial for the superintendent, who oversees nearly 16,000 students and needs to manage daily operations effectively.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve communication between the city and school officials. A database is being developed to track paid and unpaid invoices, which should help clarify the financial situation moving forward.