Community News
BOE leaves millage rate unchanged.
By Dave Whitaker
Sep 22, 2021, 17:40

Tuesday’s monthly Board of Education meeting was relatively quiet in terms of activity. There were a few actions taken and a few items of note. One of which was setting a tentative millage rate

Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith led a discussion about the tax digest, saying they could raise the rate to 14.307 without having to hold hearings. Mike Sasser asked what the financial benefit would be. Smith said it would only bring in an extra $30,000.

Smith said based upon the digest, keeping the current rate at 14.286 mills would generate approximately $476,779. He recommended keeping the current millage rate. It was approved unanimously.

The final rate will be set at the next meeting. It was moved to October 7 at 6:30 pm due to a scheduling conflict with Smith on October 19 (the regularly scheduled date.) A discussion was held regarding COVID-19 numbers. You can find the data by clicking the link and scrolling down to COVID-19 reports. https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4014&MID=95128

During the discussion, Melissa Stewart mentioned some parents had come to her concerned about schools not allowing visitors. The policy had been adopted by principals due to covid concerns. She pointed out there had been visitors to schools for athletic events.

While it was noted there hadn’t any indoor public events, Smith said the numbers didn’t justify schools being closed to visitors. He agreed to discuss the matter with principals during Wednesday’s Leadership Team meeting.

Updating on various construction projects, Smith said work on the new primary school was ahead of schedule despite recent rains. JCI had began work on the cheer/wrestling facility at BCHS. Once that’s completed, work on the tennis courts at BCMS would begin. The anticipated completion date is January 2022.

Also, work would be starting on lighting at the middle school baseball/softball field once the materials were ordered.


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