Cherokee board approves consent agenda; opens annual blanket purchase orders and reviews year-end balances

The Cherokee Public Schools Board approved the consent agenda, which the district said primarily opens blanket purchase orders for the new fiscal year and records routine recurring expenses.

Staff outlined several purchase-order estimates used to set blanket limits. Notable items listed in the packet included an estimated $120,000 for Alfa Electric (utilities), $2,526 budgeted for classroom supplies through Amazon, and property insurance (listed as "property assurance") at $130,511. Staff said these figures are based on recent history and are intended to set spending authority for the year rather than reflect monthly charges.

The packet also listed building-fund projects the district plans to undertake: electrical upgrades at the Agriculture Farm for about $4,100 and siding for a portable elementary building estimated at about $11,000. Staff said the building fund ending balance shown in the packet was roughly $207,000 for activity accounts and $261,000 for the building fund; general fund carryover on paper was listed at about $1,800,000 as of June 30, with approximately $100,000 in outstanding checks to clear.

Staff explained travel-related blanket purchase orders for extracurricular staff who use a district credit card (Prosperity Bank) for FFA travel and similar expenses. The board asked for clarification on specific line items and staff provided context for how those purchase orders will be used.

The board approved the consent agenda by roll-call vote.

Staff said they will follow up with precise payees and amounts in finance reports and with additional notifications to those who inquired about specific items.