Monroe County school board approves December 2024 budget amendments; enrollment holds near 4,978

The Monroe County Board of Education approved December 2024 budget amendments and several routine items at a brief meeting on Dec. 12, 2024, the board chairman said.

Director of Schools Dr. Windsor reported that district enrollment stood at 4,978 students and said winter break will begin after 10 a.m. next Friday. "The enrollment for the school district is 4,978 students. That's down slightly but holding steady," Dr. Windsor said. She also reported that high-school students made and distributed small Christmas trees to local families, hospitals, assisted-living facilities and nursing homes.

The board voted to approve the December 2024 budget amendments after a short exchange about the scope of changes. A board member asked whether any modifications exceeded $100,000 or $200,000. A staff member responding to the question said the amendments include reclassifying some tutor positions and accounting for COPS grant funds. The motion to approve the amendments carried; the board recorded the ayes and the motion passed.

Other formal actions during the meeting included approval of the consent and regular agenda, approval of the minutes from the Nov. 14, 2024 regular board meeting, and a motion to adjourn. All four motions on the agenda carried.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence after the board received notice from Dr. Windsor of the death of Craig Davis, identified in the meeting as the husband of Casey Davis, principal of Madisonville Primary School. Board members were asked to observe a moment of silence.

The chairman commended two schools for recognition as Tennessee Reward Schools. The meeting concluded quickly; the chairman described it as unusually short before the motion to adjourn was approved.