Board approves Budget Amendment No. 4, reallocating funds for facilities, maintenance and playgrounds

The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education on March 11 approved Budget Amendment No. 4, a multi-part amendment that moves internal budget balances and an appropriation from the district’s unreserved fund balance to cover technology transfers, playground equipment, unplanned maintenance costs and four capital projects.

District staff summarized four sets of changes in the general purpose fund: a $75,000 transfer from instruction to support services (including $50,000 to increase maintenance/awards and dues for cybersecurity and $25,000 for other supplies); an increase in estimated revenue and appropriation for $22,804 in PTA donations to pay for Jefferson playground equipment replacements; a recommended $38,700 transfer to cover unexpected maintenance expenses (sprinkler-system work, replacement ceiling tiles, temporary heaters and newly required fire extinguishers in network closets) tied to work at the former Sullivan North building; and an appropriation of $1,074,400 from the district’s unreserved fund balance for four capital projects.

The four capital projects listed were: replacement and refinishing of gym floors at Robinson (project and contingency/architect fees included), repairs/limited resurfacing of the Jackson parking lot (estimated total $145,600), a Palmer Center parking-lot repair and reconfiguration plus a wrought-iron fence (projected $530,000) and planning/architect fees to replace the Washington school HVAC system (funding placed: $240,000). Staff said the total taken from unreserved fund balance for these projects is $1,074,400. After the amendment and previously authorized appropriations, staff estimated the unreserved fund balance would fall to about $7,960,000, approximately 8% of the operating budget.

David Frye presented the amendment, describing the maintenance expenses: the district had received guidance from insurance and carriers to restore water to a sprinkler system and to replace ceiling tiles removed after freeze damage; temporary heaters were purchased for winter protection; and specialized fire extinguishers were installed in multiple computer/network closets. The Jefferson PTA committed $22,804 toward playground equipment replacement costs.

Board members who spoke during the item noted the Palmer Center parking shortage and supported moving the projects forward; staff said the Robinson and parking projects are intended to be completed before the next school year where feasible and that the Washington HVAC project planning would aim to be ready for construction in 2026. The board approved the budget amendment by voice vote; no roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript.

Notes: specific contractor selections, final bid awards and project start dates were not specified in the presentation and will be subject to later procurement steps.