Review of Special Meeting and Workshop for March 29^th, 2011

On March 29^th, 2011 , the Citrus County School Board held a Special Meeting and Workshop. After the meeting began the board approved several kind community member s’ donations to our schools. I am overwhelmed with the generosity of our community to our schools. The board then finished the special meeting by approving several improvements and replacements to our school buildings and faculties. After finishing the Special Meeting , board began our workshop.

This month’s workshop covered the subjects of the 2011-2012 Citrus Schools Code of Student Conduct changes, an E-Rate update, a new Leadership Organizational chart presentation , and lastly a 2011-2012 state and district budget review.

Student Services Coordinator Cheri Cernich presented the proposed changes to the 2011-2011 Code of Student Conduct booklet which is provided to all Citrus County school students each school year. This booklet provides students and families with the rules and policies of our school district at large. I was pleased with some of the modifications and changes proposed. Additional meetings are required to present the booklet at a regular board meeting and then a final vote to approve the 2011-2012 Code of Student Conduct is taken.

Technology and Information Services Director Dr. Mike Geddes presented an E-Rate review and update. E-Rate is the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission. The program provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. It is one of four support programs funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international telecommunications services. Funding is requested under four categories of service: telecommunications services, Internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance of internal connections. Discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served. Dr. Geddes shared that from the 2007-2008 school year through the 2009-2010 school year CCSB is now current and has received $1,092,160.00 in E-Rate funds. Dr. Geddes shared that CCSB is expected to receive another $521,346.50 for the 2010-2011 school year and then is expected to further receive another $436,525.94 for the 2011-2012 school year.

Assistant Superintendent Marry Curry presented the proposed leadership organizational chart to the school board. This proposed organizational chart anticipates an approximate savings to the district of $1,677,000 annually. These were necessary proposals with the imminent 2011-2012 budget being worked on in Tallahassee.

Executive Director of Business Services Ken Blocker,provided the board with 2011-2012 Budget Projections and the Legislators Proposed Budget Reductions. Mr. Blocker indicated that he is anticipating Citrus County School District to have a $5,200,000.00 reduction in funding (5% less). Mr. Blocker presented several proposal summaries that the Superintendent and the Executive Leadership would be bring the board as the state budget is finalized. (Click here for related Chronicle story)

Our next Regular School Board meeting is April 12^th, 2011 at 4:00pm at the Citrus County School District, Board Room, 1007 W. Main Street, Inverness, Florida 34450.