Roane County Schools

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1. This meeting can be joined remotely. The public could join by calling 1-304-553-7794 and entering the provided conference ID or on Microsoft Teams using the provided link.
2. Budget Work SessionA special meeting of the Board of Education was held for a budget work session focused on the Fund 11 (General Fund) budget. Federal and special revenue funds (Fund 61) were excluded from discussion. The Treasurer reported projected Fund 11 revenue of approximately $17.7 million, which includes required non-cash "on-behalf" entries. Actual cash revenue was identified as approximately $13.0 million, consisting primarily of about $9.5 million in basic state aid and $3.45 million in budgeted local share property taxes (capped at 85% by the state). Other budgeted revenues included just under $90,000 in Medicaid, $30,000 in fuel rebates, $20,000 in P-card rebates, $50,000 from the county technology agreement, and indirect costs calculated using a 2.35% rate, all subject to normal year-end adjustments where applicable. Expenditures were reviewed in detail. Salary costs alone total approximately $9.5 million, representing about 73% of cash revenue, and approximately 87% of cash revenue when benefits are included. Despite a 3% across-the-board pay increase, total salary expenditures are projected to decrease due to personnel reductions and realignment. Special education costs were identified as a significant financial pressure, with approximately $2.8 million in total expenditures compared to a federal allocation of about $600,000. Utility costs were budgeted to include three months of utilities for two buildings planned for sale. Transportation fuel projections reflected increases of approximately 35% for gasoline and 40% for diesel. The bus replacement allocation is $320,068, sufficient for approximately one bus, with individual bus costs reported at $162,672 for a standard bus and approximately $180,000 for a handicap-equipped bus. The in-lieu transportation payment rate remains $1.60 per day, with an estimated 36 additional students potentially eligible next year. Debt obligations were reviewed, including the energy savings contract of approximately $1.6 million, initiated in 2014 at 3.59% interest and scheduled through 2028, and a $40,000 annual QZAB payment for the Spencer Elementary School gym project. Fund transfers totaling $145,000 were included in the draft budget, consisting primarily of an estimated $135,000 contribution to food service, subject to revision upon receipt of final figures. Cash-flow challenges were discussed, including temporary reliance on grant funds, which was identified as a cash-flow matter rather than a budgetary expenditure.
3. FinanceMotion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (7:30 pm)
   1. Transfers/supplements to the budget
   2. Payments of bills as submitted; pre-approval to release checks not to exceed $20,000 prior to the next board meeting
   3. Financial Reports
   4. Board Member Pay for Meeting Attendance
4. Adjournment
   1. Adjournment until the Board reconvenes the March 26, 2026 statutory meeting at the next regular meeting on Tuesday, April, 21, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.Motion by Daris Harper and seconded by Eileen Richardson to approve. Motion carried. (7:31 pm)Adjourn until the Board reconvenes the March 26, 2026 statutory meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:00 pm, with the next regular meeting immediately following.