Board moves $313,715 carryover into escrow for Central High improvements, continues school funding at budgeted enrollment

James Abernathy, Assistant School Superintendent and Finance Director, presented the school monthly report and updated the board on the FY2022-23 budget, which he listed at $28,299,222. Abernathy said the School Board requested re-appropriation of $313,715 in FY2021-22 carryover funds to FY2023-24 for capital projects at Central High School intended to extend the building’s useful life.

Abernathy said average daily membership stood at 1,484 compared with a budgeted enrollment of 1,520 and requested that the Board continue funding at the original budgeted enrollment so the school system could use the additional funds for capital improvements. He said, in his accounting, each student accounted for roughly $11,000 annually (about $8,000 state funds and $3,000 local funds).

Supervisor Robert Zava suggested placing the carryover funds in an escrow account until they are needed; the board voted unanimously to place $313,715 in escrow for school capital projects. The board also appropriated the next quarter of funding to the school system and agreed to revisit the final quarter of funding in April 2023.

Earlier in the meeting the board unanimously approved Resolutions of Achievement recognizing Central Senior High School teams — Junior Varsity and Varsity Football, Competition Cheerleading Squad, Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Golf — for their successful 2022 seasons and district/regional accomplishments. The resolutions list coaches, student-athletes and commend the teams’ sportsmanship and 'Charger Pride.'