School board OKs tentative budget, approves NCHS custodial contract

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 1 a.m. — The Nelson County Board of Education approved its tentative 2015-16 budget Tuesday night at its regularly monthly meeting.

Tim Hockensmith, the district’s chief operating officer, broke down the district’s tentative budget at Tuesday’s board meeting.

In a presentation by Chief Operating Officer Tim Hockensmith, the district’s general fund is anticipated to receive $14.4 million in local tax revenue, $15.4 million in state money and $6.5 million in pass-through payments made on behalf of the district.

The majority of the district’s anticipated expenses — 63 percent, or $23.9 million — are salary and benefits. Other expenses include $1.1 million in utilities, $1.6 million contingency fund, $550,000 for buses, $375,000 for fuel, $309,000 for sick leave pay, $360,500 for substitute teachers, and $360,000 paid to the Nelson County Sheriff for tax collection fees.

Board member Larry Pate noted the proposed $1.1 million utility budget and asked if the renovation and update work completed last summer at several schools is saving the district money on utilities. Hockensmith said the district was reaping the benefits of those upgrades. The updates at Nelson County High School last summer mean the school will save 20 percent in energy costs over the previous year.

NCHS CUSTODIAL CONTRACT. After considerable discussion the board approved contracting with GCA Services Group to take over custodial duties at Nelson County High School next year.

The Nelson County Board of Education members and Superintendent Anthony Orr stand with this month’s “Expect the Best” award winners. From left, Jennifer Morley, teacher at Bloomfield Elementary School; Foster Heights student Madelyn Gilpin; Foster Heights parent volunteer Dawn Powers and certified employee Debbie Ray. Click to enlarge.

The company has been providing the services at Thomas Nelson High School since it opened, and school administrators say the company has done an excellent job, Hockensmith said.

The discussion about contracting custodial services at NCHS began after one of the high school’s custodians announced plans to retire. GCA will provide all the necessary equipment, all the needed cleaning supplies and hire the personnel. There are 1 to 2 remaining custodial positions at the high school, and the district will try to find placement for them in another location or position, Hockensmith said.

The board unanimously approved GCA’s bid of $149,340 for a one-year contract for custodial services at NCHS.

In other action, the board:

— approved PNC’s bond of depository required to hold the district’s bank accounts;

— approved the bond for the district’s finance officer;

— approved the revised job description for the school health coordinator position. The job is not a full-time one, but adds responsibilities to an employees current job.

— approved revisions to the district’s technology plan.

— approved second reading on revisions to the district’s policies; first reading of changes to district procedures; and final approval of changes to the 2015-16 district code of acceptable behavior and discipline.

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