The property was brought up as a discussion item on the agenda, and a letter was presented informing the board people had begun sleeping in the house.
The letter was from Board Attorney George Crump, and set out four options the schools could utilize to dispose of the property and the liability issues which go along with it.
Richmond County Schools Superintendent Dr. George Norris said the item was brought before the board as a discussion piece, and explained the board’s legal obligation to offer property declared as surplus to the county before selling it.
“If they decline that offer, you are free to sell the property,” Norris said.
He noted even if the house is sold, the board may be able to retain some of the 3.2 acres it sits on, and noted the board could retain some control over who would purchase the house and what the use of the property would be if the county declined to purchase it.
“Right now, it is generating zero tax income to the county, and of course to the schools, since we rely on the county for funding,” Board member Tom McInnis said. “And we have to pay for the upkeep.”
He explained the process would take some time, and made a motion to declare the property surplus and offer it to the county in hopes they will decline to purchase it.
The board voted unanimously to approve the motion.
Board member Ed Ormsby also suggested obstructing the driveway as a way to keep out unwanted traffic, and was told RCS personnel would look into that option.
The Board of Education also received an audit of its 2008-09 fiscal year financial activities.
“We don’t have anything major to bring to your attention,” Dixon Hughes PLLC Auditor Jack Walker told the board.
He also noted the schools managed their resources well throughout the economic downturn.
McInnis asked for comparison with other school districts the firm has audited.
“Your fund balance is okay, there are some that have larger fund balance and some that have smaller, so I think you fit right in there,” he said. “Your results for the year weren’t bad.”
Board Chairman Kenneth Goodman asked RCS Chief Financial Officer Pam Satterfield and her staff be recognized.
Later, when she presented to the board, she explained stimulus funding is paying for 39 teaching positions while discussing a budget amendment.
“We’re going to be able to do this again next year, aren’t we?” McInnis asked.
“I actually think we will have stimulus funding next year,” Satterfield replied. “It’s that next year that I’m worried about. There’s going to be a cliff there, but we’re preparing the best we can.”
In other business:
n The board approved a contract with eight companies to begin providing Supplemental Educational Services to 329 students of Cordova, Mineral Springs and Monroe Avenue elementary schools.
Among the eight providers, services will be offered after school and on Saturdays.
RCS Director of Federal Programs Cindy Holland said the program is funded with federal money.
n RCS Public Information Officer Ashley Simmons presented information concerning College Application Week, which the board approved unanimously.
Under the program, during the week of November 16 through 20, students and faculty, at every age level, will be allowed to wear college shirts on the 16th, to raise awareness about college.
n Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.
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