Board of Education Approves Budgets, Annual Contracts
By Mark Darnell
The Macon County Board of Education approved a variety of budget, contract, and operational items during its regular monthly meeting on June 11, as members continued preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
Board Chairman Dale Hix called the meeting to order. Board members Michael Cothron, Tim Case and Wayne Marsh were present. Board member Lionel Borders was absent. Director of Schools Shawn Carter presented recommendations and updates on behalf of the school system.
Austin Craighead led a prayer and Chairman Hix led the group in the pledge of allegiance.
Following approval of the agenda on a motion by Case and second by Cothron and consent agenda on a motion by Cothron and second by Case, board members heard reports and recommendations concerning district finances, annual contracts, facility maintenance, and student services.
A motion was made to reject the only bid to build the new RBS Agriculture Building. The bid was significantly higher than they projected, and they hope to re-bid the project separately to get more bids. A motion was made to reject and rebid by Case and seconded by Cothron. Motion was approved.
One of the most significant portions of the meeting involved approval of budget amendments and adoption of the district’s operating budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. The board reviewed Budget Amendment No. 5 for the General-Purpose School Fund 25-26 SY and approved on a 4-0 roll call vote from a motion by Case and second by Marsh.
The Budget Amendment No. 2 for the Capital Projects Fund 25-26 SY approval was primarily for the new vocational wing at MCHS. It was approved on a 4-0 roll call vote from a motion by Case and second by Marsh.
The Budget Amendment No. 2 for the School Nutrition Fund 25-26 SY was an annual procedural one to balance their budget. A motion by Cothron and second by Case was approved on a 4-0 roll call vote.
A motion was made by donate a coaching supplement from the RBS basketball program back to the program by Marsh and seconded by Cothron. Motion passed on a 4-0 roll call vote.
An annual procedural agreement between the school system needed approval and a motion was made for the agreement by Marsh and seconded by Case. Motion passed.
Several facilities and maintenance matters were addressed during the meeting. Members discussed advertising for bids to seal and restripe the parking lot at Macon County Junior High School as part of ongoing efforts to maintain school property and improve traffic flow and safety.
Motion to table to advertise for bids to seal and restripe the Macon County Junior High School parking lot due to high cost of products until later this year was made by Cothron and seconded by Case. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
The board also reviewed copier lease agreements and considered equipment needs for schools and administrative offices throughout the district. Motion to approve copier lease agreements was made by Cothron and seconded by Case. The motion passed on a 4-0 roll call vote.
Board members also considered athletic trainer contracts that provide services for student-athletes participating in school sports programs. Motion to approve athletic trainer contracts was made by Cothron and seconded by Case. The motion passed on a 4-0 roll call vote.
A sizable portion of the meeting involved consideration of annual bids and service contracts that support district operations. Items reviewed included diesel fuel, bus driver physical examinations, alcohol and drug screening services, fire and safety equipment inspections, propane service, pest control services, technology equipment and support, occupational therapy services, physical therapy services, BCBA services, vision teacher services, ice cream products, beverages, and milk products.
Carter informed board members that these annual agreements help ensure schools remain operational and compliant while providing necessary services for students and staff.
Board members then considered the proposed 2026-27 General Purpose Budget and School Nutrition Budget. Carter noted the budgets are designed to maintain educational services while addressing operational costs and student needs throughout the district.
Motion to approve the 2026-27 General Purpose Budget was made by Cothron and seconded by Case. The motion passed on a 4-0 roll call vote.
The board also approved an agreement for operation of the School Nutrition Program for the upcoming school year. Motion to approve the School Nutrition Program Agreement for 2026-27 was made by Cothron and seconded by Case. The motion passed on a 4-0 roll call vote.
Throughout the meeting, board members discussed the importance of careful financial planning as the district prepares for another school year. Several members expressed appreciation for teachers, administrators, and support staff for their efforts during the recently completed academic year.
The next regular meeting of the Macon County Board of Education is expected to be held on June 25 at 6 pm at the central office in Lafayette.
The last item of business was an executive session with board attorney Jamie Winkler with just the board and their attorney.
