001[Music] Oh. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] See Yeah. >> No, I was calling Seth's name. DL, are you ready? Okay, very good. >> I'm ready. Yes. >> Okay, very good. Good evening everyone. I will now call this special meeting of the Fay County Board of Education to order. Miss Jackson, good evening to you. Will you please take role? >> Good evening. Amanda Ferguson, >> present. Amy Green, >> present. >> Tyler Murphy, >> present. >> Penny Christian, >> present. >> Monica Mundy, >> present. >> Thank you, uh, Miss Jackson. I'd like to welcome everyone joining us, uh, online for tonight's meeting of the Bay County Board of
002Education. Our community has played an important role over the past several months as we've worked through the budget process. We appreciate the active and ongoing involvement and advocacy. Tonight's meeting was called in an effort to continue that engagement to provide an opportunity for everyone to receive the same information at the same time directly from FCPS uh rather than through the lens of of external outlets. And before we begin, I want to emphasize as was shared in the meeting announcement that no action will be taken on the budget this evening. Rather, this is an opportunity for the board to have an organic discussion um and to hear from the staff uh in preparation of developing a proposed tenative budget document. So with that, I will um hand the agenda over to uh Superintendent Li. Thank you,
003uh, Chair Murphy. Um, I would like to also add my very own welcome to everyone joining us tonight. Thank you all. Uh, my goal this evening is to do three things. It's to share a realistic picture of the district's current financial position. I'd also like to outline a path forward that does not include um any changes to the occupational license tax rate and uh to receive clear direction from the board about the items that would require border approval. Um our shared shared objective this evening though is to minimize um impact to the school level investments and certainly want to continue to provide ample educational opportunities and increased outcomes for our students. As anticipated, our financial staff was able to access a more complete um information about the closeout of the 2425 school year earlier this
004week and was able to determine the fund balance after the close of business on Monday. I shared that information uh with board members uh as soon as it was available. Um based on these updated figures, uh my leadership team revisited past projections. We reconsidered previous allocations and identified additional ways to reduce expenditures at the district level. Um, every consideration was evaluated with the lens of maintaining the investments that the board had identified as your priorities. Uh, that included dual credit, um, AVID, grow your own, a 1% um, salary increase for teachers and staff. But additionally, we also uh look to ensure that they aligned with the recommendations of the budget solutions work group. Uh these analysis actually begin as early as Tuesday morning immediately after the numbers um came in um on Monday evening and
005um it has continued to as recently as this morning. But I want to be clear that every single expenditure is being evaluated with heightened scrutiny. Uh since our last board meeting, um I asked the cabinet and department heads at the district level to take an even closer look at their budgets and identify any additional ways that we might um want to make ends meet and they truly have produced and you'll see some of that work reflected tonight. I also want to make it very clear um to everyone that this work will continue and uh we will continue to uh look for other ways for additional opportunities to save in the coming weeks and months and I will certainly um keep the board and community apprised uh with any additions that come about. Um so with
006no further ado uh let's jump in. I do have a brief slide deck with um three slides. So we start with slide one, Seth, please. Okay. Uh the tenative budget approved by the board in May included a beginning fund balance of $42 million, a revenue increase of $16 million uh from raising the occupational license tax to address the projected $16 million um budget shortfall and a contingency fund of 42.9 million. uh adjusting the occupational license tax recommendation um has certainly raised questions but I feel there is a path forward to a balanced budget without it. So although the numbers have not yet been audited um we feel confident that we will have a carry forward balance of $26.3 million. Uh the budget solutions work group recommended taking the contingency fund down to 4% which would
007be 28 million. uh we propose allocating the entire carry forward ballots to the 26.3 million towards the contingency. And so if we can go to slide two, that leaves us with the $16 million projected shortfall. And so to balance the budget, uh we will recommend the following. Um freezing all hiring except for classroom positions and bus drivers. uh anticipating a $2 million uh savings there. Um redistricting overnight I'm I'm sorry, restricting overnight professional learning at the district level. Um restricting food for district sponsored activities and meetings. Furniture replacement at the district level will not be done. Uh the practice of sponsoring tables at community sponsored events will go away. uh and the purchase of items district for district-wide appreciation um would go away and that would equal with all of those um initiatives that's uh
008$1 million. Um also eliminating the executive coach for the superintendent, which is $25,000. Um implementing additional cuts to the district level department budgets um is about a $2 million uh savings. um discontinuing the practice of using NTI days. Um as you may know, when we use our non-traditional instructional day, it counts as a virtual school day and our cafeterias are closed. Um but as a result, um we still have to pay the salary costs for our child nutrition staff without offsetting any revenues or federal u meal reimbursements. Um and this has contributed to the need for our general fund to cover the cost of a child of the child nutrition fund. So that is how those savings will um potentially come about. Um also another um initiative is uh converting overage of staffing allocations to
009permanent substitute positions. This is about 1 mil um $1.2 million. And let me explain. Um as you know schools are staffed on enrollment projections. Uh the Kentucky Department of Education has outlined a process where these projections are adjusted based on actual enrollment after the school year begins. And so you may have heard other people and other districts refer to this as day 10 or day four count. Um, in most school districts, this um results in staff being moved from um to different schools, but in FCPS um our past practice has actually been to keep uh to uh to leave up to one position in place when a school is actually over staffed. Um so, but this year we're going to wait two and a half weeks longer and to provide every opportunity for students enrollment
010to grow to its maximum level. But at the end of that time, um, as in years past, schools have had the option of purchasing those positions with school funds. Um, and any other remaining staff, however, um, positions will be reassigned and will keep their current rate of pay, but they will help reduce substitute costs to ensure that our schools are accurately staffed. Um, these changes are actually part of a broader effort to apply stricter financial discipline across all operations. So each recommendation has been double-cheed not only for accuracy but for sustainability with the intent of preventing future shortfalls. Uh we project that these changes um we will will not with those changes those do not require board approval but they will equate to about $6 million in cost reductions overall. If we can go to
011slide three please. There are additional items that would require board approval. However, um I'm seeking direction from the board as we developed the proposed uh working budget to bring to you at the planning meeting on September 8th. Um one of the recommendations from the budget uh solutions work group was to sell real estate. Um with the opening of the hill uh which obviously is the hub for innovative learning and leadership this year uh the former Southside Technical Center building is empty. uh in 2024 it was estimated at a value of about $8.9 million and based on the prime location and increase in property values we anticipate that figure may be a bit higher. Another possibility identified um was to raise mill prices. Uh if the board wanted to consider the that option, an increase of
01225 cents per mill would um equate to about $426,300 in revenue. And if there was an increase of 50 cents per mill, that would be about $852,000. Um, our goal with this recommendation is to restore child nutrition services budget to a positive balance. Um, eliminating the need for additional support from the general fund to cover shortfalls that have occurred in recent uh years. Um, I do want to underscore though that 48 of our schools and special programs um provide free lunch to all students under what we call the C um which is a community eligible provision. And also those who qualify for free and reduced lunch at the remaining 20 um sites and schools we have that they will not be impacted either because they continue to receive a free would continue to receive free
013meals. Um, a final consideration for the board would be the potential um absorbing of some um litigation cost by internal legal staff. Um, and that is something that could also um be up for discussion. But depending on the board's direction on these initiatives, uh we will prepare a balanced budget for further discussion and consideration at the September planning meeting. If the board does not reach consensus on this direction or the recommendations presented, I I will ask that you provide additional guidance on some new options in revenue or expenditure reductions to to help us achieve a balanced budget to present to you um in September on the 8th. Uh I want to close by reassuring everyone that um we're not only balancing this budget but we are really truly building a stronger more transparent process um
014to guarantee that um future budgets are accurate, responsible and fully aligned uh with the board and community expectations. So at this time I would uh really just like to hear your thoughts and the possibility of these possibilities and any others you may have. Chair Murphy. >> Thank you, Superintendent Lian. Uh, board member Green. >> Uh, thank you. Um, I have several questions on the the real estate one. You talked about Southside being a potential option to sell and I think there's a lot of data points around that that I would be interested in learning. one, I know um that there was discussion about making that an operations location to move a lot of the facilities that are behind Lafayette um that are in facilities that are in much need of maintenance themselves. And so if
015that building if Southside was no longer an option to move like maintenance and grounds and child nutrition, what would the cost of maintaining the buildings um that they're in be um first and then what would be the implications on the availability to move forward with the Lafayette project? because I know the shuffle of the buildings and those positions or those u departments was all considered with the development of the um of the Lafayette project. So I'd like to hear all of that before that I would um consider uh that specific one. >> Okay. Well, I I don't have the exact um figures for you for the the cost associated with uh those. What we do anticipate however is uh in future years uh not this fiscal year not 25 26 but in future years consolidating
016additional campuses and um those campuses would possibly be available for some of the uh the moving those uh staff members to those locations if that was the direction the board ultimately decided to go this year with U Southside. >> Thank you. And then another question on that same one, that would not be a reoccurring or a sustainable source of revenue. And so, um, even though it sounds like a nice number right now, it would leave a hole in the future. And so, um, I feel like everything that we come before us, if it is shortterm, I really want to measure the difference between a short-term gain versus that long-term cost. And so I think that that's really important because if every year we're looking to unload a piece of real estate for a certain amount
017of money, but then we're going to turn around and eventually need that at a cost that's going to be much higher um than what it what we're what we would sell it for. So I really there needs to be a really strong long-term plan um for for the for this kind of decision. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. We'll certainly present that data for you if that's the direction we end up going with the working budget presentation >> and thank you Green related on a related note board member green discussing like the usefulness of Southside for facilities have we um one thing that I think would be import an important consideration especially in terms of sustainability and long range planning is if We have we looked uh across departments. I know you indicated that that everyone
018in the cabinet has reviewed uh this budget, but have we done a needs assessment across each department and campus um to ensure that the the needs are being met? So, you know, uh by Sher Green mentioned maintenance, right? Have have we engaged the folks in maintenance in curriculum instruction and so forth to make sure that we've not missed anything or uh there wouldn't be an an adverse impact that isn't currently being anticipated at a bird's eye view but as it trickles down it might impact the work of our staff at a department and campus level. Uh what I I can state to that is we have asked our department leads at the cabinet level to have those conversations based off of many of the recommendations we've uh presented to you this evening. Um we I
019can tell you there there will be some impacts there. Uh there's no way to cut um that amount without having some impact. We're simply just trying to make it minimal uh as possible, but there will certainly be some um some impact and we can we can possibly get a list of what those will actually be. Thank you. That would be helpful. I think again as long as we just engage um as long as we engage with the the team on on the ground who can then communicate some things that might be missed at that that level of review. I think that would be helpful. >> Absolutely. And on the I I will say that one of the things that gives me pause on um the list you just reviewed um is the idea of uh
020increasing lunch prices and especially in the federal context where you know currently we do have campuses who qualify for uh C status that allow students every student there uh to eat without charge with with potential federal changes, the number of C schools could could significantly dwindle and adversely impact um our students and families. Um is that one conversation we had at the last meeting was reaching out to community partners. Uh some community partners have indicated a willingness to engage with the district. uh is that an area to shore up that child nutrition account where we could engage with uh community partners so we're not passing those costs on in the form of increased prices. >> I would you would like to make that a call this evening on this uh actual meeting. I I welcome
021uh that would be ideal if that um our community would um who are our business partners etc would be willing to uh help with those costs that would certainly help us quite a bit and ultimately help our families >> and and that would have been my board member green >> I was just going to say within that discussion to that point I think providing an avenue if somebody wants to reach out and how do we engage that right so provide that line to for a community to say I or community member business that says I want to step up and support our students this way um can we advertise and share how they could do such reach out to you >> absolutely I'm looking at Michael Adams email right now to make sure he's Michael
022Adams is the it's michael.adams2 at fyad.kychools. us and we can certainly make that available on our website as well for how um considering our financial situation how if anything community can support and that that is a direct um response to something that the the work group also did recommend. So thank you for that. And I would like to say that I mean I agree. I definitely don't want to have to um make up for our own mistakes by putting it on the backs of our students and our families. And I think that's the last place we should look. But I would also like to go back just to the initial slide. The 26.3 million is the is the beginning balance, beginning fund balance, carry forward, however you want to title it. And that will be
023the contingency fund. What percentage of the general fund is that 26.3 million? >> I have not calculated that. Um so I don't have that. That is something we will have for you at the the buds attended. Well, I think that's a very important number now because it sure seems like going from 42 million to now 26 million that we have gone below the contingency fund or >> Well, it is certainly required amount by board policy. We have we gone below the the 6% required by board policy. >> That that is not 6%. You're absolutely correct. >> It's less. >> I don't know the exact number. >> So, we have violated our own policy by going below the 6% already. Is that correct? >> Well, it's not at the 6%. The um policy or the administrative
024procedure actually states that it will go to stay at 6% or go to the board for uh approval. >> So, when is that going to be asked for approval or or when was it asked for approval? I mean, it's already there. We already don't have that money in contingency. I realize it's based on an upcoming budget, but we're under this budget now. Yes. And apparent and as stated previously, this was not discovered until year end close. And so that's why it has not been brought to the board at this point. >> So we don't know who moved money from the contingency, who spent it, and on what. It just got spent. >> But there is an ongoing investigation to look into that. Yes. >> I mean, I'm already uncomfortable enough with reducing the contingency. Maybe
025it's my past past past service and having it drilled in how we need to save for a rainy day and it's very concerning to me that we're already at this 26.3 million. I know it's much better much rosier outlook than 15 to 22, but it's already very concerning. And I think that we've got to look at at more than just the items you put on the board. And yes, selling property is not ideal, but neither is charging our families for lunch. I mean, have we looked at I think it's been brought up before. Have we looked at a reduction in force at the John Price building at the administration building? Have we looked at all the employees that we hired, all the new staff, 40 or 50 staff at the administration building that we hired
026under ESSER and then transferred over to the general fund. We've looked at >> Why are those Why are those positions protected? I'm hearing from schools all over that whole harmless positions are not are not being um taken care of and you're asking schools to give positions back and give some of their money back that was promised in the spring. >> Well, not cutting staff. >> What positions have been have there been has the issue of positions been addressed, Dr. Williams, at the district level? >> There has been several positions cut. Again, it was um nearly over $6 million um or 9 million total at this office prior to the additional six that I just spoke about. Um positions have been cut. >> Positions were cut. Yes, >> I'd like to see that list of positions.
027>> Okay. >> And the salaries that were cut. >> Okay. we can make sure he was >> and I'm still concerned from over a year ago that we hired people under err funds spent money that was one time supposed to be for onetime expense but we put it as recurring expenses in the budget and and I know there are positions even though I was told there weren't any positions at JDP that were hired under ESSER and then got converted to the general fund because when we used to have a position control document you could look at that and see that Well, as you will recall, there there was an instance of that occurring after the HR study came out and it was going to take two years to implement that because there was ESSER funds.
028Uh the board was told and approved a budget that allowed for it to be implemented in year one and then those so part of those were implemented through ESSER and then the following year fell off of ESSER to become part of general. But that was done through the process of um the study that the board approved and um directed to move forward. >> Well, there's still a lot of people that would like to see and I asked for it and previous board member Jones asked for it that position control document and no one really knows that all the positions in the John Price billing and and what they are costing the district. And if we're talking about transparency, we really want people to see that. I mean all I hear is we've got to protect
029the schools and I agree but but no one in the schools is seeing any reduction in force no furlow days for administrators none of that is being considered and we are at a crisis point I don't know who first used that word but to me we are at a crisis point and I think we have to look at those drastic measures >> thank you >> one question I have is have we considered reviewing large contracts and potentially uh renegotiating and looking for opportunities for long-term savings in that regard. >> Yes, that is part of the additional 6 million that I presented to you this evening. And do you have an estimate as what that may that come in a little bit higher or is that >> uh if it does it won't be significantly higher?
030Um the six million is um all budgets together combined um pretty uh concrete numbers simply because these are contracts that have already been entered into. So there's not a um a lot of little room. If the contracts voided, then we know the exact amount that's actually it was >> or what it would be. >> A few questions. One, I'm not aware of the Southside plan or the plan for Lafayette. I think it was like briefly mentioned at one of our past meetings, but since I've been a board member, I don't think those have been shared with us. So, if I can learn what those when um board member Green's questions are answered, if we can learn what those intentions were for both of those plans, um that would be good. Also, um I am and
031I think I've mentioned it before in support of selling real estate for this year if that is what we have to do to avoid um really having to reach and impact our classrooms quite a bit. I also have heard from quite a few people at the school level who are having some concerns um about what they've been asked to do ahead of day 10 and the inability to be able to provide the services for our students at the campus level that they've been able to do before. So I highly encourage looking at for this year any other methods that we can do. Need it be some of the ones that we've had to do in the past, which is an reduction in days. Need that be furlow days um to hold the especially since schools
032already started. Schools have been planning for you know this budget since earlier last year. um like look other places that we can do um or what we can do to hold those um positions in the classroom as as much as possible. Um a few other things that I had was also contract review um as well. But even for next year, looking at the contracts that we necessarily don't have to renew or that we can do without or maybe we can re renew at a smaller amount so that when we're looking at next year's budget, maybe some of the measures that we have to do now can be offset with some things that we can do moving forward. Um, and I hope that will be done just not for contracts that come to the board, but
033also for contracts that we don't see or that are not under our purview as well. If we could get a um just a quick look at and not now, but for our next meeting on the 8th, just to make sure that we fully understand how each of the 10 recommendations for the workg group were looked at and answered. There's a few of them that I'm kind of understand how they've been addressed or why they may or may not have been addressed, but um just to make sure that I'm fully clear on that piece um as well because it seems like some may not have worked, some may not have been considered or some are kind of wrapped in some of the larger numbers that we've heard tonight. So just to make sure that the workbook
034the work group and community understands that we've taken each of those each of their suggestions in consideration and what that has looked like with the recommendations that we have gotten how that plan um is shaping up as well. Another piece is um with school lunch prices for so the items that are up for board consideration. Do we need to do all of those things to balance the budget or is there wiggle room within the the three I think that we were given? >> Those are all things that um we were recommending this evening to help balance but the $16 million shortfall. >> Okay. So, all three of them need to happen to balance >> or something else in their places. Yes. >> Okay. I would love to see some other suggestions instead of raising those
035school meal prices if we can or raising it at the minimum amount while looking at anything else that we can do as well. But if we're prioritizing, I would rather prioritize making sure that each of our schools have these positions that they've already kind of been planning for and to make sure that we can hold those as much as possible. um as well that and my other question was the 30 million in I believe it's called discretionary positions within the schools is that amount still holding or has that had to be reduced as well? >> No, that is still that's according to board policy and okay >> our staffing formula. >> Okay. All right. I think that is all I have for right now. Thank you. >> One question I have as we um think
036about some of these adjustments, how tight is this budget to absorb additional volatility to, you know, we not we don't know what's going to happen at the federal level. Uh any of the unexpected. Um it I um it would just fall back on that on the anticipated $26.3 million contingency. So have has staff uh kind of game planned some potential scenarios of things that might be on the horizon and uh thought about how the district might absorb those in a way to minimize impacts on students. Uh do we feel comfortable about our ability to handle any of those types of uh contingencies? >> At this point, the budget is extremely tight with the contingency being where it is and the $16 uh million projected shortfall with expenditures versus revenues thereafter. uh it leaves very little
037li w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w w wiggle room if you will. One of the things that we continue, as I stated earlier, we're going to continue to look at a variety of different ways we can possibly um make up for uh some of the shortfalls. um even with the uh reduction in force, even if it all did occur at this level and we can certainly um give a lesson on how that works at a future meeting. Um I can't state that that's not going to impact uh students or the services to campuses because uh the the work that happens outside of campuses
038is in support of campuses and and so I just want to um so there's the this year there leaves there in the future there are plans that could really get us to a long-term um financial stable position. uh this year is not the year where there's wiggle room for that to occur. >> I mean, I think that's a great question, Mr. Murphy. I mean, you know, part of the reason that we're in this situation is because our projections apparently because our projections were so far off last year or maybe the last two years. I mean, how can we give the public any assurance that they're not going to be horrifically off again? I mean, the budget is way too tight, too short, whatever you want to consider it. And I mean, how do we have
039any confidence that that the projections are going to be right apparent, I mean, we have someone new doing the budget who's never done it before, if I'm if I understand restructuring correctly. >> Well, what I can tell you without getting into a current and investigation, what I can say is that we're confident in these numbers. They've been looked at by several different people in several different angles and um from several different um departments and so um with varying levels of experience and expertise and so I am um I'm very confident in the numbers that I'm presenting to you this evening and I've been highly involved in this process as well. I mean, were you confident in them last year or are you saying that this this year this process has been different as of the
040last month? >> Um, considering and I don't want to speak too much on an investigation, but I am much more involved uh than I've ever been before this year and ensuring that these numbers are accurate. >> Thank you. >> Do we have a plan to communicate these once the working budget is is drafted and will be presented on September 8th. Um to the point about needing to be clear, concise, and making sure that we're uh helping uh explain the budget, ex explain the revenue coming in, the expenditures going out, and connecting the dots for families on how those are translating to the work happening in the district alongside the work on the working budget. Are are you and your team also working on a a communication plan on a path forward to uh engage families,
041engage schools, you know, communicate beyond just uh in the setting of a of a board meeting um to make sure that we're continuing to keep folks engaged. Accurate information is getting out there and it's being communicated in a way that is clear and digestible. At this point, that is certainly um one of the things that's in the works to have regular and ongoing very simplified uh communication with family, staff, and um our community as a whole to talk about where we are and um and how it looks. I do know the board receives a financial report each month, but in addition to that, not only will that be uh more simplified for uh layman um consumption, it will also be uh something in between that can also be shared um on a regular basis for
042uh our community to take advantage of and to have access to. Thank you, >> Chair Murphy. >> Mother, >> um just a few more thoughts. Um, was there um any consideration, and I apologize if you mentioned this earlier when you were giving us the options about like reductions in district-wide events or looking to maybe scale those budgets back or I just know when we were talking um at the budget retreat back in February, there were some events that had a pretty good price tag with them. Yes, that was actually um part of the overall the $6 million. >> Okay. >> Um we were scaling back on district-wide appreciation um sponsoring tables at community events and things of that sort. >> All right. And then um if I'm seeing everything correctly and we go with carrying
043forward and placing in contingency all that's left, we're going to go in under this well under the 6%. Um will we be given a plan or a long-term plan to get us back up to 6% over the next few years or thoughts on how that might take place? Yes, that will actually be the work of the budget and the budget uh and the board. That will be the work of the board and the board's budget committee um this coming year to ensure that um there's a very clear plan to go there and um but that is certainly the goal and that will um be something that will be presented to the board as early as November. >> Okay. And my other ask is to once everything is kind of done and closeout's finished truly understanding
044where that funding went to from the contingency. I know we have those items that was previously shared with us of where you know thoughts of where it was going, but I would love to see a list of what what needed to happen or where it was spent in the amounts um that took place there as well. And then um my last point at least for now um is the about the position control document because I had asked about um trying to get a document as well and I've been a public servant about pretty much all of my career and my salary has always been public needed been when I've been you know working for the state or different universities. you can always see my name, my title, you know, the department or where I work
045and what my salary is. And I think that goes a long way with really showing the public that that we're being open and that they can see where their money is being spent. And I can understand how for employees how that might feel invasive. I I completely understand that. Um but it seems that every major university in the state does this. um JCPS does this and I do think this something we need to start working towards or figuring out how you know we can make that happen just to continue to be transparent and for the community to know where the vast majority of the budget that is approved right well over 80% of that you know is spent on salaries and where it's going. So you know I hope that's a long-term consideration that we
046can you know support as a board or have conversations about that. um in the future >> and I'm I'm totally open to that. Could you at a separate time tell me what's what you would like to see in addition to what's already provided every month? >> I can provide that. >> Thank you. >> I have two additional questions at least at least two additional questions. I can't I can't promise just two. Uh I know we had a conversation about the um delayed uh tax receipts and because they were delayed they can't count towards the carry forward. Uh they have to count as revenue for fiscal year 26. So my understanding is that those uh anticipated revenues have already been included in the calculus. Is that correct? >> Yes, they've been accounted for. >> Okay. Um,
047>> we estimate that to be about 2.5 million of uncollected taxes at this point. >> Okay. My second question, and I know this doesn't relate uh specifically to general fund expenditures, but it does relate to long-term debt strategy, right? And obviously have concerns about how um how some of this might affect our long-term debt outlook. And so have we had discussions with our operations and architectural design team about uh evaluating current architectural designs and identifying potential cost savings in ongoing and upcoming projects. >> Yes, I um not not in detail, but Meer and I have had a discussion about uh the possibility of scaling back some of the extravagance, if you will, on on new buildings. Thank you. Any other questions? >> Chair Murphy >> Warmer Green. >> Thank you. Um so I kind of
048have some just overarching ones that I think as the recommendations come forward just kind of questions I'd like to see asked and I and I actually everybody that has shared has kind of said these same things. So I just kind of want to make sure I hit the points. um when the recommendations are brought to us really highlighting if it is a short-term or a long-term and what that cost balance is because our role is long-term um sustainability of of successful sustainability of the school district. And so I don't want to make a short-term decision that really impacts the long-term sustainability. if we're not considering additional revenue streams, then I think any change we have to make that a balanced budget needs to also be sustainable. Um, and so just really seeing that measure and
049making sure that that can that is being considered and if if there are moments when it has to be a short term for reasons, I think just being honest about that u and having that kind of right out there. I think also in every lens, in every decision, what we do is is focus on what is best in serving our students. And so ultimately when we see a budget proposal with all of the recommendations, especially anything that changed from the tenative to now, talking about what that impact looks uh directly to student services. Um, and that doesn't just mean the classroom because if a building can't have their lights on, if that classroom is cold, um, if the grounds can't get to certain things. So, understanding, and you've said it many times, everybody that is
050hired in Fyet County impacts student learning. And so, this is very difficult. We're asking everybody to make sacrifices to ensure that we're providing for our students, but also being very aware of those sacrifices and what those costs are. For example, if we're asking all of our departments to cut their budgets, um but they still have to take care of certain things no matter what, that's going to be an overage and then at the end of the year are those spaces that we see um unintentional spending and then we come back and say we spent more than we had and that's going to impact the carry forward for next year. So just I love asking for savings now. I think it's very appropriate. We're at that moment. But being realistic about what we're asking for and
051what's also required. Um we can ask for a lot of savings, but at the end of the day, lights still have to be turned on, roads still have to be plowed, things like that. I just want to be aware of those things u as well when we hear those final recommendations. >> Absolutely. Yes, ma'am. Chair Murphy, >> I realize that the third recommendation um we never discussed. It was about in-housing the litigation and so um I'm not a part of the litigation team. So I think knowing if that is something Amanda I see your face sorry um I don't know their capacity that's what I was trying to get at their capacity to take that on. Um and so just being assured that we're um not asking to do beyond what they have the capacity
052to do. But I think that that is a a decent consideration. I mean, I noticed that, too, because I think we said somewhere along the way this year, it was said that part of increased expenses were increased open records costs and that they're I mean, I don't know if they're working overtime or I know we have full two time two full-time attorneys, but if they're already overwhelmed with open records requests, how can they take on more? I mean, you're saying where we normally have outside counsel handle it that we would have in-house counsel handle it. >> Yes, that was the recommendation. and in instances where it makes sense. And one of the things that um and that's just something the team has it's just not and I certainly appreciate our legal counsel and our legal
053team but every department at this level has already done that and continue to take on more uh with less and so it would um it's really that they're ready to take it on. Um, so, >> so I know we're waiting uh specific recommendations for the working budget and you've outlined some proposals here. So, my understanding just so I can clarify, so the recommendation from the administration um is at our previous meeting we said all options were on the table. We now have the information of the carry forward numbers and you've come to us this evening and you said there's a path forward without pursuing the option of the OOLT. So is the current recommendation with with various other things pending. Is the current recommendation administration saying to take the OOLT off the table as an
054option? Yes, that is my recommendation at this point is to allow us to balance the budget with other options other than the occupational license tax adjustment rate or rate adjustment. >> So our next step >> what's the reasoning for that? >> Uh because >> I'm sorry. >> I just said what's the reasoning for that? I mean, in the spring we had to have it and now we're even lower on the budget and >> well the reason is that it has been quite a bit of discussion. There's been um quite a bit of more information gathered and we are looking at just making more cuts if you will in places where we originally we were trying at that point to prevent any and all um access or disturbance to the campus level where we're at a
055point now to where we're just trying to minimize it and not prevent it completely. I mean, I think it's it's just it's frustrating for me as a board member who I never thought it was a good idea and don't still don't know where it came from, but I just think it's very frustrating to the community that you that whoever brought it up thought it was the be all end all and now all of a sudden it's just not even on the table when we apparently had all of these options available to us before and we're even more in the red than we thought we were in the spring. Well, I I want to be clear that it's not uh before it was very clear that we wanted to do very little to to impact instruction
056or district operations. Uh this plan will disturb district operations and have impact on um campuses. It's just minimized. Uh previously, it was trying to avoid it alto together. Okay. Well, I just and again to to minimize effect at at schools at school campuses, I strongly recommend the reduction in force or furlows of administrative staff in the price building. >> Thank you. >> So, next steps then if that's the recommendation, uh the board would need to get consensus on moving forward if the it's the will of the board to move forward. We had currently have a hearing for September 5th, but if we want to take that out of the uh list of considerations, we can do that at this meeting and say the next step is on September 8th. Uh we receive a presentation of
057the that draft presentation of the working budget. Um for consideration at the action meeting on September 22nd. Uh and if that's if that's the direction we would go, I just want to make sure that again uh that communi the communications are are clear uh and consistent to the community on what we're and what's being proposed clear and consistent to the board on what's being proposed and what what those minimal impacts will be. >> Chair Murphy >> board member Monday. I do well my personal opinion is that we still have the hearing on the 5th and we give the community the opportunity to share what they feel about the options that have been presented with us or the path that we're going to take now that you know that path has changed um quite a bit
058from where we were um when the tenative budget was passed and you know we had the majority of our budget conversations as well. Um and I also um second board member Ferguson that you know let's keep all options on the table minimize that campus impact um as much as possible and you know if we have to look at some of the measures need it be reductions in days furlows that have been done in the past then that's just it's unfortunate but it's what we're going to have to do at this moment. >> Thank you. So Dr. You're saying, are you saying keep the OOLT on the table or keep the hearing public hearing? >> Keep the public hearing on the table because my understanding from the meeting that we had was that it was about
059the OOLT, but people could also come and talk about other budgetary um thoughts. I I may have gotten that wrong. Um but um I I you know, everybody knows I'm not wasn't a fan of you know, the OOLT. Um, so I'm fine with taking that off the table, but I do think that we should hold the public hearing and let the public have an opportunity to share um their thoughts on the current budget items um and recommendations that we're looking at right now. >> I agree with that, Dr. Monday. I mean, not that I want to have another meeting, but and I don't know how many people we'll get on a Friday night, but since we've put it out there and said we were going to have it and you know, it's another opportunity and
060maybe makes the public comment at the next meeting not quite as long. I mean, spreads it out, but I think we need to hear from the public if if they have something something to come and say because I heard a lot about today why there was no why this wasn't in person and why there was no public comment. But >> Dr. Green, >> thank you. Um, from my understanding from our last meeting, there were three purposes to September 5th. one to have a potential hearing for the OOLT which is off the table it sounds like um two to provide space to um have talk about the budget and then three to provide time to explain the property tax rate as well and so I'm amendable to keeping the time if it's not called a board
061meeting but a public forum even just a space where people can share um their thoughts before we hear the f like the proposed um budget I think that that is appropriate if it's not nuances if it's not actual board meeting but again just a public forum or or hearing where people can come and share their thoughts that would be agreeable >> more Christian >> I'll go with the majority instead >> uh super what would what would you be prepared to present on September 5th so just so I'm understanding what uh board members Monday, Ferguson, Green are saying. If if the goal is to solicit more feedback on the budget, would it make more sense to have something presented on the 8th and then between the planning meeting on the 8th and the action meeting on
062the 22nd when we have a a tangible draft of a working budget um to hold an additional uh community forum at that time >> or I'm just thinking about the time to compile the information and uh from this meeting and then put something together for the community to have time to review to be communicated to the community and then get meaningful uh feedback that can inform the board's decision. >> Yes. I I I would state my my original thought from the the hearing or board or whatever it's going to be called on the 5th was when the administration was preparing two budgets, one with the OOLT and one without the OOLT. That would have allowed two budgets to on a Friday evening before Monday's board meeting. Um 95% of the budget would have been completed
063with tweaks based off of that meeting itself. uh with us only having one budget at this point without the OOLT that um that there's no way we can wait until Friday evening to create a budget for Monday. Um especially with um us trying to be more transparent and putting something out there when the board meeting is actually posted on a Friday evening. Um, and so that that would create an issue there. Um, because it would basically put us in a position to where we're working on the final some pretty significant final touches of the budget um 24 work hours of um if you will before the actual meeting. Uh I'm again this is the will of the board. Should that's what you want to do. I will tell you it puts uh us in a
064position to where it it wouldn't really allow the amount of time necessary in order to do that. Um my hope was from this meeting is that we could get direction from you all as uh the elected board as to the direction um as to how we wanted to make this happen, what your priorities uh remain or how they have changed and then present something on Monday the 8th and should that not be the option or the route you want to go, what I'm hearing is there would be several options. to a balanced budget from what I'm hearing this evening, but we really have to take a look at that um well in advance. If you wanted to ultimately um keep it, we do our absolute best to to make it work um however the suggestion
065um Chair Murphy that you mentioned of the possibility of having a meeting in between that meeting um may be better. that gives less than a um a weekend for uh my staff and I to uh to turn over uh the work that's necessary to present something that is going to be meaningful and of quality. >> Chair Murphy >> Murphy >> I'm amendable to that. I mean, I think that does make sense if we can see a proposal um first and then after we have those discussions, then allow a space between that first um proposal shared with us and the public, then another space as a hearing for people to share anything and before the final. So, I think that makes sense and I appreciate Dr. Lian's candid cander about sharing about the the hardship that
066might put on the turnaround of time. So, thank you. or Monday >> if it's possible to get it on a better day and time where more people can possibly be there than, you know, a Friday evening when we got football games happening and and all kinds of things. Um, that may possibly be better as well. Um, I mean, I don't think we're asking you to to have the budget redone or or changed after the public hearing. And I mean, I guess the argument is that the the public won't have a budget to comment on, but they can comment on what we've talked about tonight. I mean, if we wait until the 8th, I don't know when the budget can be posted. The public isn't going to have time to view it. and then they wouldn't
067be able to comment until the action meeting unless we move this and have another meeting in between like you're saying. But I don't Yes, it's unrealistic to expect you to to do something based on comment from Friday night, but it allows us to get that feedback. I don't I'm fine either way. I don't think we need both one in between and Friday but >> yeah I was suggesting the one in between as an alternative to Friday just so that there would be a tangible budget that presented at the 8th there's time to communicate it clearly and then it makes the feedback more authentic because there's a a budget in front of the public. So when can it be published or posted publicly the budget realistically? >> Um it is ideally that it would be that
068Friday before the um >> planning meeting >> the planning meeting and uh Dr. Monday if because what I heard from you and what I'm hearing from Amanda are two different things. Um, I think what Amanda said I can I can work with uh as far as I I was your my understanding from your request was to have it so that you can get feedback to impact the budget but um Miss Ferguson is saying that it is um to just so you guys can um hear from the public before Monday when >> Yeah. And I think that suggestion works as well. it's still, you know, the public having the opportunity to give some feedback and it does seem that being able to see the budget for all of us is more impactful. >> Um, and you
069know, knowing and everyone will know of the comments and suggestions what's doable, what isn't, you know, to the extent that we've seen. So, I I'm totally fine. I'm just want the public to be able to have the opportunity to to share with us in that open forum. So, whatever works. And in that case, I'm I'm fine with keeping the Friday. I'm sorry. I I just wanted to get clarity. >> Okay. If you feel if you feel like you will be prepared to present something on the 5th since it's already been announced and posted, we can do that. Uh with the understanding that it will be a budget. The original intent was to prevent uh two budgets, but my understanding now is there'll be one budget that will seek to balance the budget, minimize impact on
070classrooms and students, and do so without the OOLT. Is that correct? >> Okay, let let me seek clarity again. My understanding is Friday evening is about the items we discussed tonight, the ones that you brought up and the ones that I've brought up and to hear from the public regarding those items. Um and by that time however the budget will already be created and posted and it gives you all an opportunity from that Friday to that Monday before that Monday's board meeting to hear feedback from community members um to inform the discussion on that Monday not present a budget on Friday night in addition to Monday at that board meeting just so we're all on the same page. >> That is my understanding. Does that capture the request? I'm fine. I'm fine with that. I
071just, you know, I think it's important to highlight the the board's role in the budget. So, we set the priorities, the administration brings back how that's going to happen, and then we hear the feedback from the community. I think that's kind of the order. And so, um, I thought we were going one way, now seems like we're going back. Um, you know, we're having those discussions about the priorities. You're having the discussions on how you can meet those priorities. So, maybe it would be best to have it between the two. Um so then after it is created the board has had the authentic discussion as a team with the administration then there's space for that additional um discussion about about the budget before it's up for a vote. But I'm amendable to any to either
072one. I was just it changed as you said. You see clarity and so I um so I am as well on the purpose of it now. I am amendable to anything and that there's nothing that precludes the administration from having an additional uhformational session. The more information that we can communicate the better uh between the planning session and the action meeting. So it's not an eitheror choice. So I'm comfortable with since we already have the date on the calendar, we can keep that date, create another avenue uh for communication and engagement just as long as uh we communicate clearly the purpose and intent uh of that meeting and the expectations for that meeting and then uh come into September 8th uh with a draft of the working budget and prepared to discuss next steps. Okay.
073>> Okay. >> And Dr. Ligans, I know that you know, Vice Chair Green and I had shared some recommendations uh and some questions. So, the next steps following this meeting is kind of I would expect the same uh from from all board members, anyone who has recommendations, suggestions, suggestions uh from tonight or upon reflecting on the information received tonight uh to share them with you. Is that uh correct? >> That is correct. Absolutely. Please feel free to email me, call me, any any way of communicating with me. Okay. If there are uh no further questions at this time, I will entertain a motion to adjourn this special meeting of the Faget County Board of Education. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Motion by Monday. Is there a second? >> Second by Moran Christian.
074All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries. 5. Thank you all. >> Thank you all. [Music]