Houston County School Board approves financials, stadium sound system, surplus assets and personnel report

The Houston County Board of Education on Dec. 9 approved a series of routine business items, including the October financial statements, two purchasing contracts for facilities upgrades, the declaration of surplus assets and its monthly personnel report.

Madam Chair called for and accepted a motion by Dr. Jared Unruh to adopt the published agenda; Mr. Nichols seconded and the board approved the agenda 6–0. The board likewise approved minutes from the previous meeting on a motion by Dr. Unruh, seconded by Miss Johnson (vote 6–0).

Ms. Morris, the district finance presenter, told the board that October general‑fund assets totaled $114,942,000, liabilities $33,000,460 and fund equity $81,475,000; she also presented preliminary November figures including general fund assets of $119,238,000. “For October, general fund revenue was $29,969,000 and expenditures were $38,158,000,” Ms. Morris said. Miss Johnson moved to approve the financial report; Mr. Crockett seconded, and the motion passed 6–0.

On purchasing, the board approved a $141,252.08 contract with DB Integrations for a new sound system at McConnell Talbert Stadium and a Sunbelt Sports contract for the Mossy Creek Middle School track (listed at $249,104 plus a $10,000 contingency) for a combined estimated general‑fund impact of $390,356.08. Mr. Nichols, who previewed the system with a colleague, said the sample sounded “amazing” and moved to accept the purchasing report; the motion carried 6–0.

Ms. Morris also brought 13 vehicles and trailers to declare surplus, including a 1999 Chevrolet farm truck used by Northside High’s agricultural program; proceeds from that sale will return to the school’s ag program. Mr. Jackson moved to declare the 13 items surplus; the board approved the motion 6–0. The board additionally approved declaring two portable buildings at Houston County High School as surplus for demolition and removal (motion by Mr. Crockett, second by Mr. Nichols; vote 6–0).

Dr. Steven (Dr. Stevens) presented the personnel report showing five certified resignations/retirements, three certified transfers, two certified hires and 11 certified vacancies; classified vacancies were listed at 46. On a motion by Dr. Unruh and a second by Mr. Jackson, the board approved the personnel report 6–0.

At the meeting’s close of public business, Mr. Nichols moved and Mr. Croft seconded that the board convene an executive session on a personnel matter; the motion was approved and the board recessed to executive session.

Votes at a glance - Adopt agenda: mover Dr. Jared Unruh; second Mr. Nichols; outcome approved 6–0 (SEG 793–810). - Approve minutes: mover Dr. Jared Unruh; second Miss Johnson; outcome approved 6–0 (SEG 812–822). - Approve October financial report: mover Miss Johnson; second Mr. Crockett; outcome approved 6–0 (SEG 1104–1114). - Approve purchases (sound system, track): mover Mr. Nichols; second (recorded); outcome approved 6–0 (SEG 1116–1192). - Declare 13 assets surplus: mover Mr. Jackson; second Mr. Crockett; outcome approved 6–0 (SEG 1219–1235). - Declare 2 portable buildings surplus: mover Mr. Crockett; second Mr. Nichols; outcome approved 6–0 (SEG 1239–1262). - Approve personnel report: mover Dr. Jared Unruh; second Mr. Jackson; outcome approved 6–0 (SEG 1264–1296). - Enter executive session (personnel): mover Mr. Nichols; second Mr. Croft; outcome approved (SEG 1301–1314).

The board’s actions were procedural and unanimous; no contested votes were recorded.