The Fulton School Board heard several reports from district personnel, discussed the schedule for summer school and looked at budgets for FY 2016 and FY 2017 when it met last night at FHS.
Superintendent Jacque Cowherd presented the FY 2016 budget update and information for the preparation of the FY 2017 budget. Currently, the largest allocation in the district's financial plan is for the Operating Budget. Of that $20,011,364, personnel account for 81 percent. Of that, 57 percent is professional staff salaries, while 24 percent is support staff compensation.
According to Cowherd's report, the salary schedule for certified personnel has been streamlined over the past few years in an effort to increase base salary and allow faculty members to advance through salary steps at a faster rate.
In regarding this schedule, the superintendent asked the board to consider changes that will enable the district to offer more competitive salaries and promote longevity. He also encouraged the board to maintain paying 100 percent of medical benefits.
Director Julie Bell of the Before and After School Childcare program (BAC-PAC) presented her report to the board. Activities provided by BAC-PAC include activities such as arts, computers and games, homework help and musical activities. The doors for the program open at 6 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. in an effort to accommodate the 73 families - with a total of 96 children- who utilize the affordable service. Funds to support the program come from fees collected from the families served.
Also, Tia Neal presented a report on Options Daycare, which provides care for children of teen parents and school employees. The program serves 28 staff member families and three teen parent families. Options Daycare does not receive funding via the school district. It is self-sustaining, but is sometimes subsidized via the Division of Family Services for qualifying families.
Dave Milligan gave the activities program report. The two discussion points from his report reflected the institution of a positive coaching evaluation and the addition of wrestling and softball to the middle school sports rosters.
Summer school for 2016 will look much as it has in past years with K-5 offerings being Basic Block activities for students needing extra help. The middle school will offer remediation courses, and the high school will be offering credit recovery courses, as well as some additional courses.
In other school board news, the board is still accepting applications to fill two three-year positions on the board.
Applications must be submitted before Tuesday, Jan. 19 at the office of the superintendent at 2 Hornet Drive. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
On Tuesday, applicants have until 5 p.m. to turn in their paperwork.