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Board hears concerns about budget and pauses on purchases after federal grant delays
Summary
Board members and public commenters raised questions about an unapproved budget and the absence of a finance director while the district has paused purchase orders because federal reimbursements for Title I–IV and IDEA are delayed; payroll will continue and interfund loans are being considered.
Public commenters and district staff told the Fayette County School Board on June 10 that federal delays in education grant reimbursements are affecting district cash flow and prompting a pause on nonessential purchase orders.
Charles Watkins told the board, "I'm concerned about how the district will function without an approved budget or a finance director, especially with a new school year and superintendent approaching. The board must request the necessary funds from the County Commission—if you don't ask, the answer is automatically no. When will the budget be approved, and when will a finance director be in place?"
In the Temporary Interim Director's Report, Superintendent Eddie Keel said Tennessee has not yet received certain federal grant funds, affecting reimbursements for Title I–IV and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As a precaution the district has paused purchase orders, though payroll continues. Staff described interfund loans as one option being explored to address potential cash-flow shortfalls.
Keel also reported that two strong finance director candidates have been interviewed, including one candidate with school finance experience, and that initial TCAP assessment data has been released with a fuller update to follow. Board members approved a FY2025–2026 Budget Fund Balance Revision in committee (motion to approve by Merrel Miller; second Kevin Powers; tally recorded as 6 yes, 1 pass at the committee report), and the consent agenda included budget amendments and the FY2025–26 LEA Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) form.
Public comment at the meeting also included a request by Elton Holmes, president of the Fayette County NAACP, for greater transparency around personnel actions and a request that the board consider renaming the "Plant Operations" committee because of its "offensive connotation." Holmes said the community "deserves clear answers and accountability" and that he intends to continue raising the issue publicly.
The superintendent agreed to a board request to add full policy titles (not only policy numbers) to future agendas for clarity. The minutes record that purchase orders were paused pending federal reimbursements, but they do not specify the dollar value of paused orders or the precise timing for receipt of federal funds.
Board members present were Warner Speakman, Merrel Miller, David Reeves, Hal Rounds, Becky Trimm, Kevin Powers and Myles Wilson; Melani McGuire was absent.
