The district’s finance leader provided the board with monthly budget‑to‑actual figures, audit findings and a SPLOST revenues update, and board members pressed for clearer public posting of financial materials and more detail on specific purchases.

The finance report showed the district had collected $57.7 million (7.9% of budgeted revenues) and spent $108.1 million (14.9% of budgeted expenditures) through Sept. 30. The CFO said property tax bills were mailed later than usual, shifting the usual November collections into December and prompting planned follow‑up discussions with the tax commission’s office.

On the fiscal‑year 2024 audit, the CFO said the district reduced findings from eight to four; a longstanding cash reconciliation finding was closed. Board members asked for a formal auditor presentation at a future work session.

SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) collections were reported on track, with roughly $6.3 million collected in August (reported in September). The CFO clarified SPLOST funds are capital funds for facilities, buses, technology, band and athletic uniforms and other capital needs and cannot be used for operations.

Board members also discussed purchasing. The technology chief confirmed the district maximizes E‑Rate funding (category 1 and 2) and averages $10–$14 million of E‑Rate funding per five‑year cycle. Members asked about a cybersecurity and an AI contract referenced in last month’s purchasing report; staff said the cybersecurity/technology contract appeared on the prior month’s purchasing report and had been approved at the previous meeting. Board members asked staff to provide details about the AI purchase, cybersecurity contract, communication system upgrades and any E‑Rate applicability.

A parent inquiry about Chromebooks drew a technology response: devices carry warranty and five‑year accidental‑damage protection baked into purchase costs (no separate co‑pay for most incidents). The district repairs devices at the school when possible or sends them to an off‑site vendor; schools will not send devices home without signed digital parental permission paperwork.

Board members asked that monthly financial reports be posted in a clearer location on the district website and requested timelines for the budget process and updates on federal funding in light of any federal shutdown impacts. The superintendent and CFO asked board members to submit topics they want covered at a Saturday retreat so staff can prepare.