Meeting Date: March 21, 2022
Time: 5:30 P.M.
Place: School Board of Highlands County Garland Boggus Board Room

Welcome: Superintendent Brenda Longshore opened the meeting at 5:30 PM.

Roll Call:

1. Members Present: Chet Brojek, Diane Juve, Joe Wright, Tiffany Green, Bill Jarrett, Maritza Telesky, and Lauren Bush (virtual).

2. Members Absent: Jason Biance, Cur Matthews, Trevor Murphy, and Dave Travers

3. District staff present: Brenda Longshore, Donna Howerton, Mike Averyt, Frank Brown, Willie Hills, Darrell Layfield, Harry Howes, and Cindy Wester (recorder)

Approval of Minutes: Diane Juve motioned to approve the minutes of September 13, 2021, and seconded by Joe Wright. Minutes approved.

Revenue Report: Assistant Superintendent Mike Averyt presented the revenue report with an average revenue collected of $34,928,931.68. Mr. Jarrett said that there is a need to show an ongoing pattern of how the funds are used during the 15-year life of the surtax.

Dr. Longshore stated that the present information outlets are:

1. Monthly Superintendent's Corner articles published in the News-Sun

2. Monthly Superintendent's Updates videos on the SBHC mobile app, website, and social media

3. One-pagers are in planning stage to distribute information in a concise format for small group meetings

Other general body suggestions included:

1. Professional marketing

2. School site apps

3. Displaying banners/signs at school sites

Additional general discussion ensued.

Expenditures Report: Mr. Averyt reported on expenditures through February 2022 amounting to $28,570,549.85. The largest expenditures were for student computers and software as well as safety upgrade, such as single points of entry, fencing, and cameras.

In addition, funds were used for facilities upgrades, including air-conditioning units, roofing, and covered walkways.

Capital Projects Review: Mr. Averyt discussed additional funding sources to half-cent sales tax, which are permitted for capital projects upgrades:

1. Capital Outlay & Debt Service

2. Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO)

3. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

He reported that current projects total $22,222,883. Mr. Averyt stated that the capital projects list is a living document and changes as projects are completed and added. It is submitted to the board for approval after each update. The project summaries district-wide and by each school were made available to members. Mr. Wright inquired about any other funding held by the State for future disbursement. Mr. Averyt and Dr. Longshore addressed this.

Mr. Averyt reported a large expenditure resulting from an audit finding regarding bus purchases. Since this discovery, Dr. Longshore joined with other districts with half-cent sales tax funds. They collectively petitioned the state legislature to amend statute language to allow bus purchases with sales tax funding. The language goes to a vote at the end of the legislative session and is expected to pass. Dr. Longshore credited Senators Montford, Albritton, Broxton, and the other districts that joined the appeal to change the language.

Allocations/Capital Projects Overview: The Superintendent shared a PowerPoint presentation that will be used at the board workshop tomorrow afternoon covering allocations and capital projects. Topics discussed included funding sources, portables, large construction projects, relocation of or remodeling the district office, pre-k sites, virtual learning, and student population. General discussion ensued. A copy of the PowerPoint is attached.

Next Meeting & Adjournment: The next meeting will occur on or before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2022. The secretary will send a notice of meeting at least seven days prior to the next meeting.

There were no other comments or discussions; the meeting ended at 6:45 PM.