At a Dec. 16 financial workshop, Gadsden County School District finance staff submitted part of the Annual Financial Report and told the board revenues of $43,963,323.06 were outpaced by expenditures of $48,088,426.37, leaving the district with roughly a 3% reserve; board members requested a dedicated budget workshop and staffing and grant reallocation work.
A teacher-union leader asked the Gaston County Schools board whether a reported 3% fund balance and roughly $12 million in FEMA/insurance money from Hurricane Michael are available as bargaining continues; the board said it will provide the requested financial documents but gave no immediate confirmation.
Facilities staff described heating failures, leaks and temporary repairs at several Gadsden County schools; the board urged approval of a proposed half‑cent county sales tax and proposed a citizen oversight committee to ensure funds are used for renovations.
The Gaston County Schools board unanimously approved consent items 6a–11a. The superintendent reminded staff the next paycheck will be Jan. 30, announced a construction restart Jan. 6 for a new school, and the board recognized principal and assistant-principal of the year; a staff resignation was also reported.
Board members asked finance staff for exact unpaid balances and documentation on a mortgage and promissory note tied to an Apostolic Faith property at Chattahoochee High School, discussed options including foreclosure or selling the mortgage and agreed to seek a representative from the church and legal review before proceeding.
Mr. Hudson told the board older HVAC package units are corroded and becoming obsolete; he outlined creative, code-compliant workarounds and said the Nov. 13 K–8 phase-two bid opening produced competitive bids. Board members pressed for more grounds and maintenance resources after visible yard and parking-lot problems were described.
Finance director Miss Bruner told the board the district’s Annual Financial Report (AFR) and cost report are delayed by missing data from CHP and a key consultant’s illness; she warned employees will have a longer pay gap between Dec. 23 and end of January and said Head Start funding may be prorated pending federal award letters.
Principal Pamela Anderson presented PM3-to-PM1 assessment results showing increases in students scoring at the lowest level in several grades, reported attendance and discipline figures, and outlined a three-point strategic plan to close ELA gaps, strengthen science, and sustain math performance.
A board member moved to amend the Gadsden School Board agenda to add Item 8(b) concerning transfer of 'Ward’s lot' to the county and noted the county attorney was present; the transcript does not record a second, vote, or final outcome on the motion.
The board confirmed its regular meeting date (fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m.), reappointed Miss Hannigan as trustee to the Florida School Board Insurance Trust with Mr. Frost as alternate, and agreed to move the December meeting from Dec. 23 to Dec. 16 to avoid the holiday.
