The Louisville Municipal School District Trustees aimed to clarify the use of facilities and other issues at its July 14 meeting.
In an overflowing boardroom, Mark Donald, president of the LMSD Trustees, opened the meeting clarifying the board decision not to rent the facilities to Alpha Omega recently.
Donald noted the trustees first decided to allow the event and rental of facilities after considering the group's request and the policy the board had on facilities. The board later denied the request based on critical information of the liability insurance. The board then ceased all nonschool activities until the facilities policy and insurance information could be reviewed.
Donald added that the board wants to allow use of the school property to organizations but also must weigh that with the responsible of protecting the school assets.
The board then heard from three organizations about the importance of using the school facilities. Amy Hillyer representing the Winston County Junior Miss Committee explained the importance of using the facility to the program.
"There is no other options available," said Hillyer outlining the Winston County program would have to be held outside the county if school facilities cannot be used.
"It would be an injustice if not held at LHS," added Hillyer explaining the deep impact the program has on unifying the community as well as the scholarships and other benefits it brings to the community and young ladies involved.
Wanda Ward of the Pilot communicated similar sentiments about the importance of using the facility for their annual Pilot Club pageant which in turns funds their programs including their in school program on the importance of safety helmets for the youth.
Brandi Krajewski and Amanda Patton representing Relay for Life noted how much they appreciated being able to use the LHS grounds and without such generosity of the school district it would make the event more difficult to plan and implement.
Donald thanked the groups for voicing their concerns and then questioned Roland Byrd who provides the district's insurance needs.
Byrd aimed to clarify that most events were covered by the insurance such as the Junior Miss program and the insurance carrier only became concerned when the school operated rental of the facility in a manner that may carry more liability than a regular school function. Byrd noted the three-day and three-night rental of the facility was out of the ordinary and that is why the insurance company would not cover under its present coverage.
"Your are in the school business and not the rental business," said Byrd.
Board member Dan Parkes recommended the new policy examine the time factor of the event since the insurance company appears to take into account extended usage of the facility and does not want to cover such events.
Donald asked all the board members to examine the present policy and make recommendations to him or Supt. Harry Kemp so that a new policy could be discussed at the next board meeting.
Board Attorney Jim Keith added that the new policy should make sure that all groups are covering any cost associated with event and that the district is not incurring any additional costs from the event.
The matter was tabled until the next board meeting.
Donald and Sixteen Section Land Manger Hal Overstreet also aimed to clarify any misinformation on Sixteen Section Land.
Donald explained the decision of the Winston County Board of Supervisors not to confirm two leases did cost the school district funds that are used to educate children.
"When the Board of Supervisors elected not to confirm the leases, by law, we are required to have two other appraisals," stated Donald. He added the district would have to pay $1,200 in additional appraisal costs because of the Board of Supervisors decision.
Overstreet clarified that Sixteen Section Land is not zoned commercial but commercial leases are required for certain type of endeavors to be operated on the lands. Overstreet also explained that the district was unaware of the sublease to Kenny Ray Dempsey until recently and that Jack Goodin paid the lease. Overstreet then noted that when the district cancels a lease or has a lease turned back in that the district still earns money of the land by planting trees and through hunting leases.
In other actions, the trustees:
Held an executive session on litigation and personnel.
Approved claims docket and the financials.
Approved the 2009-10 budget. Parkes and Claire Crowell noted that with the graphs attached to the budget a person could clearly see more of the districts funds were spent on instruction than anything else. Business Manager Phyllis Gronewold pointed out the expected transportation costs and other increases which could also cause budget cuts.
Approved Watkins, Ward and Stafford as the auditor.
Approved the new fixed assets policy.
Approved student transfers in and out of the district.
Approved increases for breakfasts and lunches.
Approved revised Dropout Prevention Plan provided by Nola Bryant. Donald commented, "Hope to see the outcomes we need."
Approved drug testing company for all students involved in athletics for 2008-09.
Approved six sixteen-section items.
Approved one staff resignation.
Approved several new hires.
Set the next meeting for August 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Post a Comment