District reports improved shortfall, enrollment at 9,327 and seeks board direction on teacher bonus resolution
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Summary
Murfreesboro City Schools reported an improved revenue shortfall (from 3.6 to 1.5), confirmed enrollment of 9,327 students for period 5, cited higher winter absences and rising chronic absenteeism, and discussed drafting a resolution to opt into a $2,000 teacher bonus created by the Education Freedom Scholarship Act.
Murfreesboro City Schools officials reported Feb. 25 that the district’s revenue shortfall narrowed from 3.6 to 1.5 and that property tax collections received in January should improve the position further.
Finance staff said revenue is generally in line while expenditures are aligning to budgeted percentages; the presenter noted sales-tax receipts as a variable affecting revenue. The board then approved the district’s revenue and expenditure report on a voice vote.
In the enrollment report for period 5 (20-day reporting period ending Jan. 31), staff reported total enrollment of 9,327 students, an increase of 15 from the previous reporting period. The presenter said average daily attendance dipped in winter due to snow and illness, with an absentee rate that rose near 11.5% in the week before winter break. Chronic absenteeism and truancy also rose during the period; a numeric truancy figure in the transcript was not clear and is listed as not specified in board materials.
In director’s updates, staff reported the board’s pre-k funding resolution had been sent to the General Assembly and that it had passed out of the Senate Education Committee and was awaiting consideration by Senate Finance and Ways and Means. The superintendent also briefed the board on the Education Freedom Scholarship Act passed during the special session; the law’s final sections include a one-time $2,000 bonus for eligible school-based teachers but require boards to pass a resolution to affirm intent to participate. The superintendent said staff expects guidance from the state in coming weeks and asked whether the board wanted staff to draft a resolution for future consideration; board members indicated consensus to proceed.
The meeting record indicates the board directed staff to prepare a draft resolution for future board consideration; details on eligibility, timing and funding delivery will depend on forthcoming state guidance.