Beaufort County School Board delays budget vote

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Beaufort County School Board delays budget vote

By RACHEL HEATON
rheaton@beaufortgazette.com

Published Tuesday, May 15, 2012 | 426 Words |

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The Beaufort County Board of Education on Tuesday delayed a vote to certify its $176-million, 2012-13 budget until Friday.

Chairman Fred Washington Jr. said the board needs more time to consider the rollout of a college and career readiness initiative, which includes purchasing classroom sets of iPads for eighth- and ninth-graders districtwide. The board approved the initiative Monday night.

Washington also said Tuesday the board needs more time to discuss the budget as a whole before approving it.

The vote on the budget is expected at a 2 p.m. Friday meeting at the district office at 2900 Mink Point Blvd. in Beaufort.

The proposed spending plan that drew the consensus of board members at the Monday meeting includes a property tax increase as well as cutting 30 staff positions. Raises for district staff are also included. About $788,000 in reserve funds could be spent.

The district will still plans to give a preliminary presentation to County Council's finance committee at its Wednesday meeting. County Council approves the district's budget, including any tax increases.

In other board action:

voted unanimously to name the athletic complex at Whale Branch Early College High School after board member Earl Campbell to honor his support for establishing the high school. Board member Steven Morello was absent. The surprise announcement almost moved Campbell to tears. "I thank God that I lived long enough to see (the school) happen," he said. "Not for me ... but for the community."

voted unanimously to accept a $1,700 donation from Hargray for radio-controlled aircraft kits at Battery Creek High School.

entered into a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to provide college level aviation courses at Battery Creek High.

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