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School officials propose using $2.64 million of audited FY24–25 funds for safety and code work at Petersburg High and elementary sites
Summary
District leaders told the joint meeting they have about $4.35 million in audited general fund balance, of which $1.7 million is restricted ESY grant funding; they proposed $2.64 million for capital needs (primarily Petersburg High School safety/compliance projects) using no municipal debt or tax increase.
At a joint Petersburg City Council and Petersburg City Public Schools meeting, Dr. Jay Martinez presented the district's audited fiscal‑year 2024–25 general fund balance and a recommended capital allocation matrix that would put $2,640,000 toward priority infrastructure projects.
Dr. Martinez said auditors found roughly $4,350,000 in general fund balance; about $1,700,000 of that is restricted for extended‑school‑year programming and is not available for capital. That leaves an estimated $2,600,000 net for priority projects, which Martinez framed as "life‑safety citations" rather than cosmetic work.
Planned allocations: Martinez said the district has divided the proposed spending into two domains. Domain 1 focuses on Petersburg High School (roughly $2,360,000 of the total) for code‑compliance and safety improvements including weight‑room and locker‑room repairs, fire‑door and HVAC fixes, a front‑office HVAC replacement (presented as about $250,000), an auditorium modernization (about $330,000), a scoreboard (~$185,000) and cafeteria furniture (~$100,000). Domain 2 would initiate architectural design and construction documents for Cool Springs and Lakemont elementaries (about $277,000) so the district is shovel‑ready when additional capital becomes available.
Financing and constraints: Martinez emphasized that the plan requires "0 municipal debt and no tax increase," using audited funds identified by the auditors. Councilmembers asked about process and timing; city counsel/manager advised that a public hearing and formal supplemental appropriation are required before funds can be appropriated. Council indicated it will put a resolution of intent on the July council agenda so the school board and district can proceed with design and procurement work.
What happens next: Staff will return with a formal resolution and the district will work with the city to place the appropriation on a future agenda for formal approval.
