In addition to setting graduation and end-of-year dates, the Clark County Board of Education took action on several other items in its meeting Tuesday. 

The board also revised expense reimbursement policies and procedures, fine-tuned an investment plan and considered a request for funds from the George Rogers Clark High School marching band.

The board passed a motion to allocate $75,000 to the band.

Board member Gordon Parido initially made a motion to remove the item, which read “Consider Approval of Band and Orchestra Instruments and Equipment,” from the agende, but the motion failed.

Board member Michael Kuduk said there hadn’t been a proper process in place for schools to request funds for needs.

“I appreciate the needs of the band,” Kuduk said. “I don’t appreciate the way this was brought to us.”

“I concur,” Parido said.

Parido noted approving this request would set a precedent for other organizations to request funds. Parido said the board needs to think about how to prioritize these requests and needs.

Two student speakers address the board during the public comment section of the meeting, stressing the need for sufficient instruments and what it means to the students.

One student received multiple offers to pursue music at the collegiate level, and she said it would not have been possible had it not been for the band program and its resources.

Band boosters take care of equipment maintenance each year, GRC Band Director Michael Payne said. He said students have duct-taped saxophones and several students have to share instruments.

Payne said the band will be 25 percent larger with projected enrollment next year, and what they are about to experience next year is going to continue because of Baker Intermediate School and other district schools implementing music programs.

The board approved the funds with a 4-1 vote. Parido cast the dissenting vote.

Revision to expense reimbursement

policies, procedures

The board also approved a revision to expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

Aleisha Ellis, CCPS director of finance, said the revisions made the policy much more detailed and updated it to reflect state standards.

The policy includes things like rate for mileage reimbursement and guidelines for rental cars. It also establishes approved reimbursable trips and travel, meal reimbursements and other expenses that may or may not be covered.

Investments

The board also approved an investment proposal from Traditional Bank.

Hisle made the motion which passed 3-2. Hisle, Kuduk and Ritchie voted in favor. Hicks and Parido voted no.

The investment is for $20.5 million and includes a fixed-rate pricing structure, at 2.25 percent for 24 months. The rate would be applied to the first dollar on deposit, posted monthly and would not require a minimum balance.

The board also had another option from Traditional Bank as well as proposals from Compass Municipal Advisors and Stock Yards Bank & Trust.

Ellis recommended option one, which the board approved.

The board is still required to do a second reading before it goes into effect.

The board also revised a policy regarding bidding of services for investments.

The new language added the board would seek bids for financial services on an annual basis. The district could renew an accepted proposal for up to two additional years.

The proposal must include procedures designed to secure the board’s financial interest in the investments. It must also include standards for written agreements and the qualification of investment agents, according to the revised policy.

According to the revised policy, at the request of the board, the finance officer will provide a report on investments made and current market value of the funds invested.

The finance officer also shall submit a monthly report to the board of the total amount invested at the end of the previous month, the maturity date of those investments and the rate of interest earned.

Before investment, the finance officer shall ascertain the current rate of interest payable for the investment at all financial institutions approved by the board, according to the revised policy.