Warren Easton’s board of directors approved the school’s 2012-2013 budget and elected new officers at their monthly meeting, July 18.
Financial officer Mike Greer reported a $278,443 surplus at the end of 2011-12 fiscal year. This was largely due to a $200,000 adjustment in state per-pupil funding. The board accepted the 2012-2013 budget on the recommendation of the finance committee, with no questions.
The finance committee hosted a public hearing before the meeting that drew only former board members, a few school staff and a reporter from the Lens. Greer presented the budget, which drew few questions. The Lens’ preview of the budget can be read here.
In uncontested elections, the board granted David Garland a second term as president. Robert Delle will serve as vice president, David Napoleon as secretary, and Charles Petrey as treasurer.
Principal Alexina Medley said the school is at full enrollment, but a final count won’t be possible until school begins in mid-August.
Facilities consultant Ken Ducote updated the board on window work. The project is 99 percent complete but yet another subcontractor walked off the job this week. Board members are frustrated, as the project was supposed to be completed by April of 2010. Ducote said the job could be completed in one to two weeks once properly manned. Ongoing roof repairs will buy the school a few years until the complete roof overhaul called for in the master plan can be undertaken, Ducote said.
The board went into executive session to discuss Janet Gaudet’s position as board secretary. Gaudet was present and confirmed her wish to have the discussion in closed session. Four former board members were invited into the session, which lasted 45 minutes.
Gaudet’s position with the school as Fund Development Coordinator was eliminated in June. The board voted to retain her as board secretary as an independent contractor for no more than three months.
The board approved a motion restoring Billy Hatchett to their ranks.
A motion to appoint former board member Jeff Zapata to ex-officio status failed in a 2-3 vote.
The meeting began at 6:05 p.m. and adjourned at 7:39 p.m. The next meeting will be August 15.