by Hunter Dawkins
After lengthy deliberation about the amount and other details last Monday at the Henry Arledge Administration Building in Gulfport, the Harrison County School Board unanimously approved the 2019-20 school budget for $240 million.
Harrison County School District Superintendent Roy Gill expressed the county schools would ask for a drop in mills from the Board of Supervisors and $69 million would carryover. Additionally, Gill mentioned the school district follows Mississippi regulations by carrying over 7%, which leaves the ability to take bonds.
Due to the school district not requesting millage, the school board will not have to go into an escrow account to fund the budget.
With school board member Bill Bradley being available on a conference call, a brief discussion arose on adopting the alternative school handbook for 2019-20. The board approved the handbook 4-1 with Bradley’s dissent.
Following the action items on the agenda, Harrison County School District Athletic Director Avery Bush explained to the school board the end of a contract providing athletic supplies for the county schools. Bush presented the past option of the 5-year contract with BSN where the schools are allowed to go with other vendors for quality.
The School Board unanimously passed the renewal of this contract with BSN for athletic supplies.
Finally before recess, Bush cited the need for improvement or new artificial turf at the West Harrison County High School Stadium. Repairs need to be happen for safety concerns; according to Bush, but he stated this would be capital improvement and offed to work with county architect Marty Hardy on the specs.
School Board President David Ladner asked for the estimate to be provided at a later date, but the board unanimously authorized the school district to advertise sealed bid proposals for replacing the turf.
The next Harrison County School Board Meeting was set for Monday, July 8.
