The Board of Education recognized the Financial Department and approved two action items.
The Finance Department received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of Business Officials International for their report that ended on the June 30, 2022, fiscal year. Coretta Harris and her team of five all stood before the board to receive a plaque from Superintendent Eric Arena.
“You ensure financial integrity which is essential to our mission,” said Dr. Steve Weiner, chairman of the Board of Education. “It is not something that comes easily but it is essential. We are very thankful for your hard work.”
Following this recognition, Assistant Superintendent Derick Austin presented the eight schematic drawings of the new elementary school that were first shown to the board at last week’s work session.
While no final decisions were made, Austin asked the board for what parts of the designs they did not want to let go of, for example, maximum classroom size, so he could inform the architect.
Weiner stated he did not want the design to exceed $38 million for the building, as the construction budget is $38.2 million, and that maximum classroom sizes should be kept to ensure the longevity of the building. He also said that he would like green space, but it was something he was willing to negotiate.
Board members Rev. Simone Jones and Carol Ann Guthrie both liked the schematic design with maximum classroom size and two green spaces. Board members Eugene Smith and Doris Clemons showed agreement with what the other members stated but did not name any specifics.
Closing the meeting, the board unanimously approved the resolution for National School Lunch Week, approved the paving of the Putnam County Middle School parking lot for $210,000 by Shepherd’s Paving Inc., and approved Arena’s recommended personnel.