The Henryetta school system will be getting $1,050,000 from the COVID relief bill.
That was the announcement from superintendent Dwayne Noble at the monthly school board meeting Monday.
“This is a windfall for us,” he said. The money can be used for salaries, transportation and nutrition among other things. “I found out about it on Christmas break. Every school will use the money differently.” That money is expected to arrive in mid-February.
That windfall came about the same time the school was told the state mid-year funding would be cut by $250,000. “We have been cut every year,” he said.
Added to that was the arrival of the annual ad valorem check from property taxes within the district. Both cash influxes are expected to help the school since the annual projected carryover was going to be around $51,259. That is the money remaining in the school bank account after all bills are paid.
The monthly meeting started with the auditor’s report detailing school expenses and revenues.
Speaking by phone, auditors told the board there were no significant deficiencies in the audit and the school is doing a good job handling the federal program revenues. The auditors said the decline in the general fund balance has been a normal occurrence. “There’s not a lot you can do,” the auditors said.
Board members agreed administrators and counselors can make the decision on whether or not students can wear face shields or just face masks. Noble said there are several students that have issues wearing the masks due to other health needs.
In other business, Noble said the air conditioning units have arrived at the new gymnasium. He expected them to be installed once the basketball season has ended. “It should be in time for graduation,” he said.
Board members held a two-hour executive session for the annual superintendent’s evaluation. That evaluation was on the agenda in December but was held off since not all board members could be present at that time. At the close of the executive session, no announcements were made.