The School Board will buy property east of Dodson High School for parking, following approval by the board at its June 3 meeting. The possible purchase had been discussed previously by the board. Supt. Alfred Simmons told members that appraisals on the land had been received at $50,000 and at $39, 000 and a negotiated price of $45,000 had been reached.
Discussion indicated that the area would be used for parking, both for students and for school activities. Money from the recently-approved bond sale will be available as soon as July and site improvements can begin. All funds for the project will come from the Dodson maintenance tax.
The board heard a report on the system’s revised consolidated budget for 2023-24 and accepted that budget. Business manager Jennifer Vidrine explained that it’s good news when a public body hears that the final figures are positive. The budget-planning process always has some educated guesses in their development, including putting together a year-end report when there is still a month remaining on the calendar.
This very issue came to discussion when the superintendent advised board members that the 2024-25 should be ready to view by July or perhaps August. Member reaction seemed to indicate they’d hoped to see numbers sooner. Simmons responded that no solid state funding figures will be available until school begins this fall and actual student attendance is verified. Accordingly, each school system must make an “educated guess” of what those figures will be.
“I’d love to believe our figures will be up,” Simmons said. But the truth is that statistics show a continuing downward trend. Only in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the 2005 northbound push of evacuees did Winn see an upward tick. His realistic anticipation is for fewer students (and less state Minimum Foundation funding) when school opens this fall.
Board members viewed one more uncertainty with a 2024-25 employee list in their folders. While certified teachers within the system were shown, blank spaces were in places where uncertified teachers had filled those spots this past year. The superintendent explained that school districts are mandated to try to fill all posts with certified teachers. However, if certified personnel cannot be located by school’s start, those uncertified may be hired. This could well be the same individuals who had those classroom places before, especially if requested by the principal.