Stewart County School Board approves new soccer team, budget amendments and five-year internet contract

The Stewart County School Board voted to approve several administrative actions, including forming a new soccer team, adopting multiple budget amendments, and authorizing a five-year internet services contract that staff may submit for E‑rate reimbursement.

The board approved a motion to create a soccer program after a brief discussion about field measurements and participation. Chair-led roll call recorded the following votes in favor: Miss Sanders (yes), Mr. Gillow (yes), Mr. Lamb (yes), Mr. Shelton (yes), Mr. Diffus (yes), Miss Kitchu (yes) and Mr. Burkart (yes). The motion carried.

Separately, the board adopted the '141' budget amendments, which include a recently awarded state tutoring grant that must be spent by June 30 and internal reallocations within special education pre-K and remaining ISM grant funds for middle and high school programs. The transcript does not provide a roll-call tally for the '141' amendments; the board approved the amendments by voice vote.

The board also approved '142' budget items after Dr. Duncan outlined the package. Highlights include a new, five-year "literacy material support" grant that will provide $90,000 in year one for grades 5–12, adjustments to IDA preschool subfund allocations, and a $1,617 increase to a Perkins allocation. That package was approved by voice vote; the transcript does not record individual vote tallies.

Finally, the board authorized a five-year contract for internet services awarded to the vendor named in the bid (referred to in the transcript as "Zo," previously ENA). The contract is E‑rate eligible, which the presenter said could offset up to 80% of costs. The board approved the motion to allow staff to proceed with finalizing the contract and pursuing E‑rate funds.

The meeting also recorded routine approvals (agenda, minutes, and a consent agenda covering fundraisers and field trips) and adjourned after director and member reports.