CMCSS presents first-read year-end budget amendments including $519,000 for paid parental leave and $262,400 for uninsured losses

At the May 15 study session, a district staff member presented year-end budget amendments for CMCSS as a first read, explaining revenue increases, reallocations and expenditure adjustments across instruction, special education, vocational education, technology and other functions.

Staff said state revenues were increased by just under $519,000 to reflect Tennessee paid parental leave for teachers. The presenter also cited $9,000 in federal revenue for the Junior Solar Sprint grant and listed numerous reallocations: transfers to align vocational education with an Innovative School Models grant (about $72,230), a $52,000 shift from supplies to equipment in technology to cover higher hardware costs, and increases in payroll and benefit projections across several departments. The presenter noted an increase of $262,400 for uninsured losses to cover invoices written off and potential liability claims.

On human resources, staff identified a $161,000 increase tied to personal leave buyback and related payroll/benefit projections. Staff also reported a small $1,200 transfer to cover summer SROs after updated state summer allocation information arrived the previous day. Federal project reallocations across consolidated administration, Title I, Title III, Title IV and IDEA were also cited.

During discussion, board member Chris asked, "So uninsured losses. Who? Somebody didn't pay us?" Staff responded that the uninsured-loss line mainly reflects potential liability claims, allowances for workers' compensation or OJI calls, and write-offs for older invoices that extend beyond two years.

The budget amendments were presented for first reading; no vote was recorded. Staff said the changes correct prior amendments, align grant accounting with EPlan and provide for year-end reconciliations; the package will return for subsequent board action.