Latest news with #SJSD
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Board of Education calls for budget audit
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Board of Education President LaTonya Williams has asked the board to consider an outside financial audit. With changes in the administration for the new fiscal year, including a new superintendent and a new assistant superintendent of business and finance, Williams said new estimates and adjustments in SJSD's new fiscal budget have raised questions since its approval in June. Since the budget approval, the BOE has had difficulty answering any questions. 'For whatever reason, there were issues that arose we were unaware of,' Williams said. 'So, the call for an audit is not about accusations or blame, just for clarification.' This issue was discussed in the Monday, Aug. 11 Board of Education meeting. New Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance, Robert Hedgecorth, used an updated budget tracking system to explain why questions have arisen in the last two months. The new software takes into consideration more elements, including changes in enrollment and state funding in more detail. Hedgecorth then advised the board they must choose between a full state audit, in addition to the audit already paid for each year by the board, which is set for September through December by an outside firm. 'A state audit would look beyond finances and at procedures,' Hedgecorth said. 'This is more time-consuming and may be more than the board has in mind.' After more discussion, the board decided to pursue the option of an outside party that would concentrate on the finances and best practices for budgeting. 'I told the board I would ask the finance director from the Missouri School Board Association,' Hedgecorth said. 'She is a former CFO and has experience in working with boards about finances and planning.' Both Hedgecorth and the BOE agreed that this plan would be ideal for focusing on questions and for establishing practices that would save time and make the best use of resources for the future. Hedgecorth said changes early on and mid-year are not uncommon, because some of the largest factors in regard to income are unknown until after summer. These include final student enrollment numbers and the amount of state funds the district will receive. 'You are presenting a preliminary budget in June, so there are a lot of things you don't know,' Hedgecorth said. 'So, you are estimating at that time.' Hedgecorth emphasized that the best way to address a concern or issue is to name it. BOE members have brought questions forward about the process and the numbers associated with the budget, even advocating for a third set of eyes to be brought in. Hedgecorth stated, he hasn't had confirmation about the availability of an auditor, but would have more answers to present at the next BOE meeting on Monday, Aug. 25. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New SJSD budget reflects updated priorities
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In the middle of funding challenges for school districts throughout the country, the St. Joseph School District approved its 2025-2026 fiscal year budget in its June 23 meeting. The Board of Education unanimously approved its nearly $170 million working budget for the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting only a 2.2% increase from the previous year overall. Retiring Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, Dr. Robert Sigrist, said the goal was to present a conservative budget that recognizes the possibility of cuts in state and federal revenue. We tried to be very conservative," Sigrist said. "We went in most areas below what DESE's (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) estimate was for state funding." Given the $3.1 million deficit left over from last year's budget, the SJSD will transfer about $5.1 million from the operating fund to carry over into the new year. Noticeable cuts in outlay for building expenditures and new construction kept numbers relatively low, with Sigrist citing the completion of bond-funded projects in the previous fiscal year. "This past year, we had a lot of bond projects going on," Sigrist said. "That included the HVAC project at Central. There will still be some bond projects in this coming year, but much of the $20 million bond project money from 2024 was spent in this past year." Notable increases in projected spending in faculty and staff recruitment and placement, reflecting the ongoing staffing needs for the district. The amount will increase from about $198,000 to about $659,000 for this coming fiscal year. "We budgeted more for our 'Grow Your Own' program," Sigrist said. "This will help staff that may be interested in becoming teachers or other certified workers by providing scholarships and incentives. In the June 2025 meeting, school administrators noted crucial openings for teachers and staff as the district moves into the new school year. Enrollment is also expected to be down slightly for 2025-2026. Sigrist said federal funding accounted for about 10% of the SJSD budget for the previous academic year, and the district is prepared to adjust as needed while maintaining a goal of working toward a zero-based budget in the future. As far as revenue, the district expects slight decreases in local and county revenue sources, an approximate $2 million decrease in federal sources, and about a $ 5 million increase in state sources of funding. For a full layout of the entire school budget for 2025-2026, visit the SJSD School Board website.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
ROTC instructor sues SJSD over firing
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A former ROTC instructor who was fired in 2024 has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the St. Joseph School District. Master Sergeant Jamaal Anderson served as an instructor for Benton High School's JROTC program. Anderson alleges he was placed on leave on April 29, 2024, was given a letter of suspension and told to not to go on school property. His contract was not renewed for the 24-25 school year. According to Anderson's lawsuit, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery in March of 2022. The lawsuit contends that Anderson informed the district that there would be times when he would need to leave class to use the restroom or miss work abruptly. The lawsuit states that Anderson was told that SJSD would not accommodate such breaks. Jamaal Anderson lawsuitDownload Anderson also alleges he was not permitted to take time off to attend doctor's appointments. The lawsuit also said Anderson's absences led to poor classroom and extracurricular event ratings by his district supervisors, which eventually led to his suspension. News-Press NOW did contact SJSD Superintendent Gabe Edgar, who stated, We are aware of this. However, because it's a personnel matter, we will not comment." The day after his suspension was announced, students and cadets spoke out against the move. "This makes all of us mad because he always stands up for what he believes is right and treats everyone with respect,' one student said. Anderson's lawsuit also referenced an incident at Lafayette that occurred in May 2023. Students allegedly "wrapped Anderson's car in paper and wrote racial slurs and drew offensive pictures on the paper. Anderson contends the school district should have filed charges against the students but failed to do so. Although no dollar amount was specified in the suit, Anderson does ask for actual and punitive damages.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
SJSD to celebrate maintenance and operations staff
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District will celebrate the hard work and dedication of the maintenance and operations staff through a ceremony. The Cleanest Building Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 22 at the Keatley Center, located at 1202 S. 28th St. The ceremony serves as SJSD's opportunity to recognize the pride its maintenance and custodial staff takes in tending to buildings. Winners of the cleanest building will be announced, and the district will also hand out special awards.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
SJSD School Board approves new administrators
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education has approved the appointments of two administrators for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Kati Reid has been appointed as the Director of Secondary Education, replacing Dr. Lara Gilpin, who is retiring on June 30, 2025. Reid began her career in 2009 and joined SJSD in 2010. Reid was an English teacher at the middle and high school level for 12 years. Most of her teaching career was invested in Spring Garden Middle School. She has been an assistant principal and principal at Benton High School for the past three years. Reid earned her Ed.D in Superintendency and Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Williams Woods University. She also has a Bachelor's of Science in English and a Masters of Science in Assessment from Missouri Western State University. Makayla Mekonnen has been appointed as assistant principal at Oak Grove Elementary for the 2025-2026 school year. She replaces Tom Evans, who was appointed as principal at Edison Elementary. Mekonnen began her career in SJSD in 2015. During her 10 years of education, she has held varied k-12 roles, including special education, classroom teacher and behavior interventionist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from MWSU and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University. Mekonnen is currently pursuing her Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from Baker University, with anticipated completion in 2025.
