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Southampton board approves payment of bills; budget constraints prompt training travel curbs
Summary
The board approved the December finance report and payment of bills, and members said tight funding and potential legal costs mean board members should forgo out-of-district conferences this year to preserve funds for classrooms and staff pay.
The Southampton County School Board on Monday approved its preliminary December expenditure report and authorized payment of the bills presented.
Dentail: Joy Carr, introduced as the division—s finance council, told the board the local operating budget for the year is $36,970,007.53, with expenditures through Dec. 31 totaling about $14,000,008, leaving roughly $22,000,001.33 (about 40.13 percent expended). The December bill list was attached to the meeting agenda and the board moved to pay the bills as presented. "All in favor, please say aye," the chair called; the motion passed.
Why it matters: Board members said the division was funded only at the state-required minimum for the current year, which limits discretionary spending. Several members urged curtailing board travel to conferences so funds could be preserved for teacher salaries and classroom needs.
Budget committee and training guidance
Members noted the superintendent is responsible for drafting a needs-based budget with board input. The board reviewed the budget calendar and encouraged members to participate in internal or in-district professional development rather than costly out-of-district conferences this fiscal year. The board said newly elected member Miss King will attend new-member orientation; other board professional development will be conducted in-house where possible.
Ending
Board members asked for the budget calendar to be resent to all members and said they will work with the superintendent and the budget committee on upcoming hearings and public sessions.
