The Jefferson City Board of Education received an update on the demolition of the houses near Jefferson City High School, approved next year's budget and approved amendments to this year's budget at Monday's board meeting.
Frank Underwood, JCPS director of facilities and transportation and safety and security coordinator, said they decided to go to the second bidder for the demolition of the houses near Jefferson City High School. He said they considered the first bidder but then found out he has not completed things in a timely fashion in the past. The second bidder has a history of completing projects on time, he said.
Also during Monday's meeting, Chief Financial/Operating Officer Jason Hoffman said this year's budget can increase because the district received more money in tax revenue than expected, bringing them closer to having a balanced budget than a large deficit. Not having a school election in April will also save money.
The extra money will be used to increase the contracted transportation estimate by 15 percent, which is $555,000. It will also be used for a fund that will allow the early childhood special education to receive additional state aid.
Hoffman said he expects the district to spend $1.5 million more next year than this year from the transportation increase, the school board election, and a 10 percent energy increase. He said this will still run a balanced budget, and the fund balance will still remain above 20 percent.
This article was edited at 8:40 a.m. March 17, 2020, to correct that the bidder chosen at the board meeting was for demolition of houses owned by the school district.