One of the concerns of the school board is timely communication with the onset of Covid-19 facing our community.
Board member Stan Bulger expressed his opinion that the board should be notified as soon as possible as situations develop so they can continue to make informed decisions in regard to the Simpson County Schools.
As of last Monday, August 10, the school district had 2,927 students enrolled which represented 565 students less than the year before which would have been the ‘19 - ‘20 school year.
According to Superintendent Greg Paes, the administrative staff at the school level was able to encourage parents to enroll approximately 200 students. This is critical because average daily attendance either through actual attendance or virtual will determine funding for the next school year. Board member Lillie Hardy told the board that continued enrollment both through the hybrid system which includes Monday and Wednesday class schedules or Tuesday and Thursday is critical for the district.
She expressed her opinion that the district had to offer whatever option to the students because the numbers were going to be instrumental on determining the budget. One of the other board members made the statement that smaller class size would be measurable this year because of the number of students who would choose other options for their continued education.
Superintendent Paes was asked by Board President, Danny Cowart, how Simpson County’s numbers compared to other like size districts regarding registration during the pandemic. Paes did not mention the districts he was comparing to, but said that Simpson County’s numbers were very consistent. He also said that the district expects more students to enroll once classes actually resume.
According to Paes, the largest shortfall in students is at the younger age level. He specifically mentioned that since K-4 is not required they are seeing fewer students initially enrolled. Before the administrators started making calls the district was missing almost 750 from the previous year.
Mention was made about the interlocal agreement with the City of Mendenhall for the use of the baseball fields in the amount of $8,000 annually. According to Finance Director, Duane Fewell, the contract is in effect through 2024 but could be canceled if the current situation changed referring to the new ballfields which are currently on the drawing board.
There was discussion about the public utility roll being reduced and in turn the revenue generated may end up be less revenue. However, in an effort to keep taxes as low as possible the board did not ask for an increase in millage in order to support the district. It was however mentioned in the event there is a shortfall the board could declare that in order to keep from having to use their fund balance.
Superintendent Paes told the board that they are very fortunate to have the employees they have banding together to make things work in the situation the district is currently facing with the pandemic.
