Franklin County Schools Return Budget to Commission
by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At the Aug. 8 meeting, the Franklin County School Board decided to return the rejected 2022-2023 budget to the Franklin County Commission unchanged. The commission voted down the budget at a special called meeting Aug. 1.
“If the school budget goes to the full county commission and they send it back, the school board has 10 days to send it back to the county commission,” explained County Finance Director Andrea Smith. “If the county commission turns it down again, if it can’t be worked out by Aug. 31, it will go to the state. We’re [currently] operating off the prior year’s budget. If it goes past Aug. 31, we have to get approval from the comptroller.”
Although rejecting the school budget, the county commission amended the county budget to include pay raises for school employees, as reported by the Herald Chronicle, Aug. 1, 2022.
Reviewing the pay raises called for in the school budget, Human Resources Supervisor Linda Foster stressed the need to be “competitive” with neighboring counties. Certified employees with a bachelor’s degree will receive a $600 salary increase, while those with higher degrees will receive a $500 annual increase. Previously, years-of-service wage increases stopped at 20 years, but the 2022-2023 budget calls for wage increases through the 22nd year. All classified employees will receive at least a 2 percent wage increase. Contract bus drivers will receive a $10,000 per route increase.
Commenting on the budget, Director of Schools Stanley Bean said, “It’s a solid budget. We’ve got the biggest fund balance we’ve had in years. We did not ask the county for any new money.”
Reporting on personnel at the start of the school year, Foster said, “We have teachers in all classrooms.” Eight teachers have bachelor’s degrees, but no certification, so will require a permit from the state. Some of these teachers have lapsed certification and others are pursuing certification. Last school year, only one teacher needed a non-certified permit.
Bean recognized two departing school board members. District 1 representative Christine Hopkins will step down after 12 years of service. Sandy Shultz was elected to fill the vacancy in the recent election cycle. District 4 school board member Chris Guess, who has served since 2008, will step down to serve as county mayor. The county commission will appoint a representative to finish out Guess’ term.