[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6220497,"mediaKeyId","3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce","parentId",3617182,"title","Rutherford County schools present $581.3M operating budget; commissioners flag textbook, technology and bus-contract risks","audioSeconds",3703,"startMs",4240000,"endMs",7943000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce&start=4240&end=7943","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce/thumbnail_4240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6220497/Rutherford-County/Tennessee/Rutherford-County-schools-present-5813M-operating-budget-commissioners-flag-textbook-technology-and-bus-contract-risks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220497-984d7fb9c9d13459236bc19bf12b7159/orig.mp4?Expires=1776066855&Signature=gRW2dFnEgBw4HGTG~jKaD9wUpZl6s1si8XAIRpXIch1m4npyTjQ7HpXS0idMoEE7m4rdjR~3RpiAfT-iNdAFunpayYsaM-V7ugQjn-FESvHIH~kTDN~PhyeIa0uzmgPBZzvNSaamxJWn3OsA8U9GfOFWqUVwTxHW6kPn4QIJxOg-9R~e2CYXrWACr2lm24KUEzjDNGS3eIqpY87x3lfXWT7DJsqXykERPsXGgLT47-DKIWhAsOfD7-sfyWGBlZj2WTMejv2cr5mkZUlcEH3kBpb6Dp2ojJrFpKcjiLMaDzjbv3FV0x6wDYJU5~pkD~LdYXvTUkWl7toc7RHPPYhw3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rutherford County, TN","date","2025-05-28T02:25:01Z","article","Rutherford County school officials presented the proposed Fund 1.41 operating budget to joint committees on May 27, showing $573,385,825 in projected revenue and $581,343,045 in proposed expenditures, a $7,957,220 deficit.

Director of Schools Dr. Sullivan said the budget includes one‑time state items — a $2,000 teacher bonus and other grant funds — that together increased revenues and expenditures by roughly $25 million compared with prior years. He described staffing as the largest budget component and said the district will provide a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment and continue work toward a $50,000 beginning teacher salary as required by state policy.

Commissioners focused on several long‑range and near‑term concerns. The board expects large future capital purchases for textbooks and computers; Dr. Sullivan estimated on the record that a future cycle of textbooks and computers could total roughly $20 million (textbooks) plus additional funds for devices and upgrades. He said the district will apply one‑time revenues and grant amendments to chip away at that need but that the cost remains a recurrent long‑term pressure.

A near‑term operational risk concerned student transportation. The district told commissioners it has been negotiating contracts with private vehicle owners who provide bus routes; by the afternoon of the meeting 70 contractors had signed but some routes remained unsigned. Dr. Sullivan warned the board that if sufficient contractors or drivers do not commit, the district may need to purchase buses and convert routes to employee drivers, which would require budget amendments and potentially equipment purchases.

Committee members discussed growth positions tied to opening Poplar Hill Elementary and a later Poplar Hill Middle School; Dr. Sullivan described transferring many existing positions to staff the new elementary and listed specific growth and phased hire dates for the middle school. Commissioners also asked about special education staffing ratios and counselor/social‑worker coverage; Dr. Sullivan said ratios have improved in recent years but remain above recommended staffing levels.

After discussion the Health & Education committee moved the operating budget to the Budget committee for further consideration; the Budget committee accepted that transfer for continued deliberation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Health & Education / Budget & Finance Joint Meeting - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","School leaders presented the proposed Fund 1.41 operating budget May 27: $573.39 million in revenue and $581.34 million in expenditures (a $7.96 million planned deficit). Commissioners questioned future textbook/technology needs and an immediate transportation risk if private bus contractors do not sign contracts.","taxTitle","Rutherford County, Tennessee","taxId",4625,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6220502,"Committee discusses $19.34M education capital plan, defers final vote to May 29",1518,2494000,4012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce&start=2494&end=4012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce/thumbnail_2494000.jpg","/articles/6220502/Rutherford-County/Tennessee/Committee-discusses-1934M-education-capital-plan-defers-final-vote-to-May-29","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220502-fae5c881a2c18083c3f20ab31f9375d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776066855&Signature=oMlupfbVE0zCsDRoD7u9ukeuoWS09j~T3fJz81UXDo0xDW3SiIVRaAdTaj9XlCSH8DU8zOgRydW6T7Xcvd7njO9KPGnzIPzuGAovil3RXJugOnTkD3J3fg7EUXRvih5f7ZcGFd4DJqE~CYl0rurWdT~snI6owVQUfvueOOrd~fNC~wwTffz-OcUPV~2DBm0j6II17A0g-ChxOKuR~qDEAhOeRsoGzLOn7KEX-wZxnKYjIUKkvd1nkgsXnaXWQIDuKQcBbmvmh7dTEKD6FyI3HQc0Y-F-3wM3m0eLtFO-UOKb2jRXADOlQMRVaL23ah4GiWSMnQ4VW8V3q13VHz1Crg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County school officials presented Fund 1.77, the education capital projects fund, to joint committees on May 27. The district estimated $19,344,516 in revenue and expenditures and highlighted priorities including HVAC, LED lighting, paving and playground replacements.

“HVAC, paving, and really for us this last year is LED,” Dr. Sullivan, Director of Schools, said. He noted the district has completed LED upgrades for high‑school athletic fields and has secured nearly $500,000 in Tennessee Valley Authority grants toward broader lighting projects.

Committee members asked about project prioritization, the list of projects carried forward from prior years, and how unexpected failures (for example, a chiller or HVAC system going out) would alter the work plan. Dr. Sullivan said the list is an estimate and that large repairs could change year priorities.

Commissioners also discussed the school facilities tax receipts and how any additional revenue would be allocated: currently the distribution splits proceeds between Fund 1.77 and Fund 1.51. The meeting included questions on trustee commission percentages that cover the trustee’s office operating costs and on the treatment of portables (roofing and HVAC lines for portables appeared on the draft list but were not approved for funding this year).

Because at least one budget committee member requested more time to review the packet, the Budget committee voted to defer final action on Fund 1.77 to the commission meeting on May 29. The vote to defer carried on roll call.","Rutherford County school leaders presented a draft Fund 1.77 capital projects list May 27 totaling about $19.34 million in estimated revenue and expenditures; the Budget committee voted to defer final action to May 29 for more review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6220508,"Rutherford County schools outline plan to spend down $1.43 cafeteria fund; meal debt nears $1 million",441,1254000,1695000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce&start=1254&end=1695","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce/thumbnail_1254000.jpg","/articles/6220508/Rutherford-County/Tennessee/Rutherford-County-schools-outline-plan-to-spend-down-143-cafeteria-fund-meal-debt-nears-1-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220508-3fc5cdbd07a59f969c8797b31b3ab7c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776066855&Signature=RTVrLTxr81S2J~ufw~LBlSj4c1JtVHaHSUKvhY1vTwuuTA6Q5x4YAovM2O0~q5Evf4tzyQ53zvsVdmd5BVcEvVurAMszcLoX7X~ykBcrY4KAMu2lmMc4v1gOKZOCbkuvKKVX~~ynUN3ET26zfGvLXC2I4T70~Jydk3aQDe4JGNkhGj~fJcu~-FQ5DFZT2lmj3blDAk9q~xEkXd8ARpWdFYtN4royE8Z-YRX9KJrqvnLNxkhLzFhkJDx0Nx10CYjCCokJVStN4XPyrSYmwOcBNnROaj0nWCanRpdgm1i0mGNG-sMn3KMQIMx5AxAI-SXhThMxjFLJNievXnMHensD3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County school officials told county committees on May 27 that the central cafeteria fund (Fund 1.43) projects $27,094,000 in revenue and $33,503,092 in expenditures and that the district will follow a plan to spend down a historically high fund balance.

“Every year, we have had a plan, and we have not necessarily spent down our fund balance, as needed, because it is a healthy fund balance, but we always have to have a plan in place to spend that down,” Dr. Sullivan, Director of Schools, told the committees.

Officials said the planned spend-down would target one‑time capital work such as new kitchen equipment and cafeteria renovations rather than recurring operating costs because of federal rules tied to USDA school meal reimbursements. Interim nutrition manager Trey Lee and Dr. Sullivan explained USDA commodities are recorded as both revenue and expenditure lines and that federal reimbursement rules limit using USDA funds to reduce lunch prices for students who are not eligible for free meals.

Commissioners pressed for specifics. Commissioner Oliver asked whether the district could use the fund to eliminate meal charges for non-eligible students; Dr. Sullivan replied, “Unfortunately, it can't,” and staff clarified USDA reimbursement rules and the community eligibility program’s eligibility limits.

Officials reported unpaid meal debt is increasing and will end the school year close to $1 million; staff said they use outreach and federal eligibility forms before pursuing any collections. The district also told commissioners it tracks meals-per-labor-hour and seeks to make cafeterias more efficient while investing in equipment and renovations at schools including Roy Waldron and La Vergne High School.

The Health & Education committee voted to approve Fund 1.43 as presented; the Budget committee later approved the same fund on roll call.","School leaders presented Fund 1.43 (central cafeteria) figures May 27, showing a $27.09 million revenue projection, $33.50 million in expenditures and a planned spend-down of fund balance; unpaid meal debt is approaching $1 million.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6220513,"Rutherford County committees approve charter payment transfer and $5.56 million summer learning grant",220,316000,536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce&start=316&end=536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617182-19b6cd9ad2b9e4e330fd0dcda50e12ce/thumbnail_316000.jpg","/articles/6220513/Rutherford-County/Tennessee/Rutherford-County-committees-approve-charter-payment-transfer-and-556-million-summer-learning-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220513-3c18acd86a256b04ad3d10f9a4f4d846/orig.mp4?Expires=1776066855&Signature=MAdfR-VIbAvgWRZ4qOqOxYfJki60Kl8bKrSRUVx8475roVSn6cLLSgeFzZYXdWt82W0hcBupuIXnC-ep1EcjMQQrWSH5Tmb77jlxFu1gp1LOZE-m3XKoZ-wlNeFNVxkvkgcIx-hKyrTqTvnYOfm-p1EZgGXEock~r~QS-dV9KqkZVKPWu16Xh5LnwfROn0~Qq5Aoced028wwYjs~vUunV6g0riLA6QvlDaVGUNyY8LiviIEnlX46GoDc~AGhT4TSq5BHOyRhi5c8j80uBk~m0IiQIz-wTfyARCfcytp2lcSPjxbbX0KNDLnP5FQxPqrk62q-17zwoz9-XlRA4yaj-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County committees on May 27 approved two education budget amendments: a charter-school payment transfer and a state-funded summer learning grant.

The measures move $3,367,842 in charter-school payment transfers into the budget line the Tennessee Comptroller’s office requires and add $500,000 to that charter allocation, funded from additional TISA direct funding the school system received, Dr. Sullivan, Director of Schools, said. The committees also approved a $5,556,938 increase to Fund 141 to recognize a summer camp grant awarded by the Tennessee Department of Education.

The summer grant is intended to pay for summer learning camps and related staff costs. “This amendment is to increase fund 141 budgeted revenues and expenditures in the amount of $5,556,938 to recognize the awarded summer camp grant for the fiscal year 24-25,” Dr. Sullivan said. He told the committees the grant comes from the state program created by the Tennessee General Assembly to address COVID-related learning loss and was extended by the legislature so summer programming continues.

Dr. Sullivan said there is no local match required for the grant. Committee members asked about program details: Commissioner Oliver pressed for confirmation that the funds will focus on early literacy and on students who have not yet mastered proficiency, and Dr. Sullivan confirmed the program will prioritize K–3 early‑literacy interventions while meeting state requirements for older students.

Both Health & Education and the Budget committee voted to approve the two amendments as presented. Health & Education recorded a unanimous roll call in favor; the Budget committee later approved the same amendments on roll call. The motions were recorded as approved with no amendments.

What happens next: The grant funding will be used to run state-required summer programs; the charter payment line change is an audit-driven reclassification requested by the Tennessee Comptroller’s office.","On May 27, 2025, the joint Health & Education and Budget committees approved two school budget amendments: a reclassification and increase of charter-school payment transfers and recognition of a $5,556,938 state-funded summer learning grant.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rutherford County schools present $581.3M operating budget; commissioners flag textbook, technology and bus-contract risks

Committee discusses $19.34M education capital plan, defers final vote to May 29

Rutherford County schools outline plan to spend down $1.43 cafeteria fund; meal debt nears $1 million

Rutherford County committees approve charter payment transfer and $5.56 million summer learning grant