South Central School Superintendent Kerry Herdes told the school board this week that after a successful School Nutrition Audit, the district will be able to continue the free breakfast and lunch program for all district students for another four years.
Herdes says the district had outstanding scores with auditors who found the kids were well-fed and cared for. The auditors were also complimentary of the onsite cooks and programs the district has for student lunches. Herdes says he is thankful to district staff and district cooks for what they provide for the kids.
The school board approved a 4.99 percent tax levy for property tax bills to be issued next year. As a result of staying under five percent, no Truth in Taxation hearing was necessary. A resolution was approved to self-purchase working cash bonds. The board also abated the alternative revenue bonds so they don’t appear on the tax levy. Improvements funded through those bonds are paid by the 1 percent sales tax collected for Marion County Schools.
The South Central School Board approved a resolution to allow a 1-cent sales tax for schools to be put on the ballot in Fayette County for the March primary elections. It would be used to fund school resource officers or mental health professionals for school districts.
The board heard its annual audit report. Doug Ess of Glass and Shuffett described a positive financial picture for the district. He complimented district personnel for being very efficient and accurate in tracking district money. Ess said once again the district was among the best third of the unit districts in the state in being very financially responsible with the way they fund the district’s needs. The State Board of Education has given South Central a 3.9 score on a 4.0 scale for financial recognition. The school district has 279 days of cash on hand if they receive no additional funding.
The board approved a resignation from Amanda Guerrettaz effective January 5th.
The South Central School Board will keep its regular meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
