Bledsoe County School System paraprofessionals now have the option to receive health insurance at the same rate as professionals in the system for a single plan. Board of Education members approved the expenditure while approving their budget for fiscal year 2010-11 during their meeting Monday, July 12.

The estimated 100 paraprofessionals in the system can choose to participate in the program. The health insurance benefit could cost the school system an estimated $95,000 a year, noted Janice Ritchie, finance officer.

Not only will the school system be paying for a portion of the paraprofessionals’ insurance, that plan to participate, but it will also be absorbing a four-percent increase in health insurance costs for professionals.

“I am very excited we can do that,:” said Director of Schools Phil Kiper. “But, I want you to be aware, there are so many variables out there with the government’s health insurance plan and with health insurance costs, I don’t know what this is going to be five-ten years from now. Who knows? But I do think we have an obligation to our employees, paraprofessionals and licensed, to provide insurance for them at a reasonable rate. In this budget, I know we can sustain it.”

These increases along with almost a 3-percent increase in retirement for licensed employees come with a balanced budget, without an increase in the portion of property tax the school system receives from the county.

“We will definitely have to watch this budget,” stressed Ritchie. “We don’t have a lot of accounts built up. We’re really going to have to stay on top to make sure that there is enough in there to cover the electricity and the gas because all of those are just projections and areas in the past that have caused some problems.”

Kiper reminded the board, “We’ve tackled some pretty big projects (reroofing Rigsby and Wheeler elementaries) in the last couple of years with capitol outlay money. We have $100,000 in that category. I think we can get by without spending anywhere near $100,000. You never know what may come up.”

Estimated revenue for the 2010-11 fiscal year for the general purpose school fund is $13,150,000 with expenditures anticipated at $13,413,000. The beginning fund balance is $1,192,000, and according to Ritchie, if the expenditures and revenue come in as expected, the school system could end their 2010-11 budget with a fund balance of $929,000.

The debt service budget remains the same with bond payments being made on Pikeville Elementary and Bledsoe County Middle School, noted Ritchie. She noted that every year, the school system has to use more of the general purpose school fund to help make bond payments.

The cafeteria fund operates on its own with USDA payments and school lunch sales, explained Ritchie. They have to maintain a “pretty healthy” fund balance, noted Ritchie, in case a piece of equipment fails and has to be replaced immediately.

Kiper noted he hopes in a few years, the school system could take a portion of the cafeteria fund to help offset utility costs.

The board approved the proposed budgets as presented. Their budget will be presented to the county commission for approval in the near future.

HOW TO BE INCLUDED ON BOARD’S AGENDA ADDRESSED

In light of recent meetings where individuals sought to speak during the school board meetings, board members made those present aware of the Board Policy governing how to be included on the meeting agenda. Chairman Mike Deakins explained according to Board Policy, a request must be submitted in writing to the board at least seven days before a regularly scheduled meeting to be able to address the board. The matter to be brought before the board must be detailed, along with who will be addressing the board, in writing, he said. The request will then be accepted or rejected by executive decision. Those who plan to speak, noted Deakins, have to sign in prior to the meeting, and those who are with a delegation wishing to address the board, must appoint a spokesperson. The chairman can recognize an individual wishing to comment, and his decision can be overridden by a majority of the board.

The school system is trying to come up with a solution of what to do with the old Pikeville Elementary school building. They opened two bids for the proposed demolition of the building, but made no decision. One bid was from Angel Brothers Construction for $284,885 and the other was from Pate’s Hauling and Excavation for $135,000.

 Chairman Deakins noted, because of asbestos in the ceiling and tile floors, and nickel pipes, the costs just for abatement is around $80,000. Board members appointed Director Kiper to work with the City of Pikeville on a possible agreement to demolish the building.

In other business, the board approved:

•the IDEA comprehensive application as recommended by Special Education Supervisor Patsy Morgan.

•postponing action on exterminating bids until it can be advertised properly.

•moving their September meeting to Thursday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m.