The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held a called meeting and work session on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Several key items were discussed, including:
- Consideration of a proposal to upgrade wireless infrastructure for primary grades classrooms;
- A report on the KCS Student Resilience Team vision;
- A summary of the proposed KCS 2017-2018 budget.
Called Meeting and Work Session Audio
Mr. Scott Pierce, Director of Technology, presented quotes related to E-Rate category funding to improve wireless infrastructure for primary grade classrooms in KCS.
- Quotes were obtained from three vendors and a recommendation was made to to accept the Bid from PCS. This bid most directly connects with the infrastructure already in place in schools, thus providing a standardized upgrade solution.
- $400,000 of funding has been previously approved by the Board for wireless upgrades. These funds, in addition to less than $56,000 from the technology equipment budget, would be used to fund the infrastructure upgrade.
- Following the Erate discount, the total cost of the project will be approximately $110,000.
- After review and consideration, the Board voted 4-0 to accept the bid from PCS and authorize funding to proceed with wireless upgrades for primary classrooms.
Detailed Work Session Notes
Mrs. Julie Malone, Director of Alternative Learning, presented a report from the Student Resilience Team regarding their vision work. The Student Resilience Team has members from secondary and primary schools, as well as representatives from a variety of student support departments.
- The mission of Cora Cox Academy is to transform "student behavior through relationships, personalized instruction, and community support for lifelong success." At Cora Cox, the goal is to prepare all students to become productive members of society through varied and innovative instructional practices and community supports.
- The Student Resilience Team K-12 vision is a product of a systematic development process based on research and findings, resulting in the student resilience model. This model incorporates curriculum, personnel, partnerships, and social emotional learning. It is designed to help students who struggle with behavioral issues within the school system.
- The Team has done research, conducted site visits and discussed learnings in order to develop a vision for improved programming, areas for growth within the program, and areas in which more study is needed.
- The ultimate objective is to provide the supports and learning that results in long-term purposeful and positive outcomes for students.
Mr. David Frye, Chief Finance Officer, gave a report on the status of the FY 2017-2018 budget.
- The proposed budget is a balanced, with a General Purpose budget of $76.4 million.
- Revenue increases are expected in 2017-18. BEP funds for FY18 are expected to be approximately $1.5 million above the FY17 actual amount, largely based on increased enrollment. Property taxes are estimated to be more than $1.1 million above this year's estimate. Sales taxes are also projected to be higher during FY18. These combine to yield an expected increase of $3.7 million in revenue for FY18.
- In the proposed 2017-18 budget, over $1.7 million in funds are earmarked for salary improvements for KCS employees. Proposed step increases for employees average approximately 2%, with an additional cost of living adjustment averaging approximately 2%. On average, employees could expect an approximate 4% pay increase in 2017-18.
- Other budgeted expenses include, but are not limited to, additional teaching and support positions, funding for expected increases in insurance premiums (expected to be approx. 7% as of January 1, 2018), software and other technology-related items, and expenses related to inflationary cost increases.
- The Board will consider and formally vote on the 2017-18 budget at the May 2, 2017 BOE meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center(400 Clinchfield Street).
Read and follow our blog, "We Are KCS" to learn more about the great people and programs of Kingsport City Schools. Check it out at WeAreKCS.com.
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