Board signs off on security and cybersecurity budget amendments, hears funding details

District staff presented a suite of budget amendments and grant-funded purchases at the Jan. 12 meeting, and the board approved the package in a roll-call vote.

Key items discussed included a Public School Security grant (ePlan) for $13,969.16 intended for radios and entry upgrades; a Tennessee Risk Management reimbursement check of $12,464 for maintenance items; and a cybersecurity pilot for which the district would be required to provide a 14% local match. Staff described how funds would be reallocated to meet the match rather than requiring an additional appropriation.

Board members also discussed a Cox-branded FY25 package for cameras, keyless entry and a Raptor system. During the presentation staff cited a figure of 374,999 for part of the purchase line items and then spoke of a total program number of $416,665; the discussion clarified that $41,000 of the overall cost would cover a safety coordinator salary portion spread over three years.

The motion to adopt the GP budget amendments was moved and seconded and the board approved the amendments by roll call. Administrators were asked to provide further detail on line-item coding and reimbursement timing and to return with implementation steps and procurement timelines.