At the Union County Board of Education Meeting on April 11, Director Greg Clay reported that the architects sent the final plans for the new middle school to the state fire marshal. When the fire marshal approves the plans, they will be sent out for bids.
He also explained that the highway safety evaluation-noted improvements would be needed on John Deere Drive, Beeler Gap Road, and Pine Street. The Pine Street and Highway 33 intersection will also need to be upgraded and a traffic signal is being considered.
Finance Director Missy Brown requested an increase in the school system’s part of the finance budget. The request is to move the part-time personnel to full time in order to handle the increased work caused by the new middle school and the future jail.
Brown also noted that the fund balance for the general fund had reached its limit and money from this balance could be reallocated to the capital projects budget for the schools in the FY25 budget. Clay reported that the contract for the virtual school was still being negotiated and the next session would be on May 2 with K12 leadership. Brown explained that the finance office continues to learn about the new funding formula under TISA.
During the workshop, the board reviewed several policy changes. Many of the board members as well as Clay voiced comments in opposition to any use of corporal punishment, better known as paddling. Some also wanted alternative disciplinary measures to be more explicit. The board approved some changes, but deferred policies 6.314, 6.402 and 6.300 to next month. The board also approved the summer school schedule for June to focus on reading and math.
The next regular Union County Board of Education meeting will be on May 9 at Union County High School.