The Long County Board of Education in a called meeting last month amended its fiscal year 2013 budget, adding more than $1.1 million.
Finance officer Bridget Welch explained to board members that the additional revenue resulted from an increase in the number of full-time equivalency student enrolled in the school system and an increase in county tax proceeds.
According to information provided by the BoE, nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in the system — a jump of about 800 from the 2,200 who were enrolled in 2005. From last year until the first day of school this year, enrollment increased by nearly 200 students.
Welch said student growth accounted for $918,000 of the additional $1.1 million, and the other $243,000 came from additional tax revenue due to a population increase. The funds resulted in a total BoE budget increase of $1,161,000. However, Welch said, the school system has encountered some additional expenditures it did not plan for, including legal fees related to an overturned county election, the purchase of a bus and the purchase of several required books for different classes.
With the additional funds, the BoE’s total fiscal year 2013 budget is $18,363,109.
Also at the meeting, board members approved faculty recommendations for the upcoming school year, including contracts for 180 faculty assignments and seven pre-K teachers. They accepted six resignations and approved coaching assignments for the upcoming year. Sherry Lester’s transfer from instructional coordinator to assistant principal at Long County High School also was approved.
During the employee approvals, board member Linda DeLoach abstained from voting for Shawna Beecher’s rehire and Lester’s transfer because DeLoach is related to the two women. Vice Chairwoman Florence Baggs abstained from voting for Smiley Elementary School Assistant Principal Ann Thompson’s rehire because the two are related.
Long County BoE members are Chairman Dempsey Golden, Baggs, Emma Strickland, Billy Hall and DeLoach. The superintendent is Dr. Robert Waters.