The Christian County Board of Education approved the tentative budget for the 2018-2019 school year, which includes freezing the step-increase.
Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill informed board members tentative budget is a “break-even budget”.
Director of Business Jessica Darnell presented the budget of revenue and expenditures, as well as a recap of the overall budget with the recommendation to freeze the step-increase.
After recent statements by Governor Matt Bevin that school district administrative costs are too high, board member Lindsey Clark asked what percentage of the budget would be affected if the salary and benefits of every employee in the central office were eliminated.
The tentative budget was approved by a 3-1 vote. Board member Tom Bell cast the lone no vote. He explained at the end of the meeting his concern is making the district as attractive as possible in order to retain and hire new teachers.
The working budget for the next school year will be presented in September.
In other action, board chair Linda Keller presented Superintendent Gemmill’s evaluation for the 2017-18 school year. Gemmill received an overall exemplary score of the seven leadership standards set by the state. Board chair Linda Keller said she wished they could have given Gemmill a raise in her six years with the district because she believes she deserves more due to her efforts and accomplishments.
