In Brief: District 5 Actions and Discussions

Public hearing

Only two citizens signed up to speak during the public hearing portion of 's meeting Monday. 

Craig Young of Irmo asked several questions on the budget including why teachers haven't received raises when the budget has increased. Young also asked why the budget increased from the previous year when student enrollment decreased. 

The district's 135th day enrollment count for the past five years have decreased, according to a chart included the budget report. The average daily membership (ADM) projected for the 2012-2013 school year is 16,274 compared to 16,339 reported on the 135th day in the 2011-2012 school year. 

Julia McCray spoke out against purchasing iPads for students. McCray questioned whether the technology would contribute to a student's love of learning, sound judgment and thorough knowledge of subject areas. 

Recognitions

The board recognized the following for their achievements:

• Dr. Karl Fulmer, the district's chief financial services officer, is among three school leaders in the state to be named a 2012 William B. Harley Lifetime Achievement Award recipient by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). 
• Buddy Price, director of community services, was recognized for his service with the district. Price is retiring after 28 years. 

Financial Services

The board received several reports on the following:

• Brian Nurich of Southwest Securities discussed ways the district could use its fund balance and when it was appropriate to do so.
• Fulmer briefly presented a monthly financial report, a report on 8 percent capital projects and a bond referendum expenditure summary.  
• Board member Kim Murphy made a motion asking that a report be developed concerning bond referendum projects. The report would "indicate the budget for each project and the amounts expended as well as the dollar amount construction managers estimate will be needed to complete the project." The motion failed for a lack of a second. 

Discussion

• McNair Law Firm attorney Francenia Heizer gave a brief overview of a resolution authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds not to exceed $115,655,000. Heizer said these bonds would complete the borrowing of general obligation bonds approved in the 2008 bond referendum. 

Action items

• The board approve an amendment to board policy BEDG "Minutes of Board Meetings." Members have to submit documents for the record at the time of the meeting not within 48 hours following the meeting. Vote was 6-1.
• The board approved minutes for the June 11 board meeting. Vote was 6-1.

Other

• The board held an executive session for a legal briefing regarding the lawsuit filed by . The group sued the district over a prayer spoken at Irmo High School's graduation in May. No action was taken in open session. Murphy made a motion asking for the board's attorney to draft a new policy on school ceremonies "that goes as far as legally possible to allow voluntary school prayer." She said she also wanted to ask attorneys if the board adopted that policy would it mute the lawsuit. The motion failed for lack of a second.