Jackson School Board passes budget

The Jackson School Board approved the 2012-2013 operating budget and updated district policies Tuesday night.

"We spend, on average, $2,500 less per student than the average Missouri school district," district chief financial officer Wade Bartels said, highlighting district thriftiness.

The 2012-2013 operating budget included funds appropriated for the new elementary school that is under construction. Anticipated revenue plus the current balance will total $71.75 million, and anticipated expenditures total $51.02 million. The June 30, 2013, ending budget balance is projected at $20.73 million.

"Keep in mind these include a lot of assumptions. We will continue to keep a close eye throughout the year on the budget," Bartels said.

The budget passed 7-0.

Technology director Tom Schreiner presented a technology service report to the board. Increased Internet connectivity at out-of-town school buildings was highlighted as an important goal for the 2012-2013 year.

Jeff Bollinger, associate superintendent of district operations, presented a facilities, grounds and safety report and reported that all school buildings have been inspected annually by local and state entities and have been determined to meet code.

Other action

The board approved new regulations concerning technology usage and release of teacher information. The technology usage agreement was updated to include provisions preventing cyberbullying and educating students about the dangers and appropriate usage of social networks. Because of Missouri Senate Bill 54, procedures concerning release of teacher or former teacher information to potentially employing school districts were updated. Under the law, districts must now release allegations of sexual misconduct to potential school employers.

Brad Noel of Jackson voiced concerns about a standards-based grading system that has been put in place in elementary schools. The system grades students by numeric score of 1 through 4 on skills within a subject rather than a traditional letter grade. The system has not been implemented in secondary grades. Noel said he has two students enrolled in the district and that he is concerned about communication between principals, superintendents and the school board.

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Pertinent address:

614 E. Adams St., Jackson, MO