Central School Board OKs hire despite budget

• By JEREMY HARPER
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Oct 14, 2008 - Page: 5B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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CENTRAL — The Central Community School Board voted Monday to hire another school nurse, despite concerns about its effect on the school system’s already tight budget.

The school system has only two nurses to handle the more than 3,500 students who attend the growing system’s five schools.

School nurse Sharon Ball told the board the school system needs an extra nurse to keep up with the growing number of student medical issues.

The School Board voted 6-1 to hire the extra nurse, but not before several board members wondered how the estimated $65,000 cost would affect the school system’s financial situation, which recently prompted a hiring freeze.

Growing enrollment and storm damage have left the school system operating with a small cash reserve.

Central split from the East Baton Rouge Parish school system last year, taking with it four schools.

Voters in July rejected higher taxes for school improvements, and the board later voted against rolling its tax millage forward to generate extra revenue.

“Last week we said we would put a freeze on hiring and the very next week you’re asking for another position,” board member Ruby Foil said.

Board member Russell Starns said while he agreed the school system should keep close watch on its finances, it has a duty to keep its students safe.

“We can’t let the safety of our children become an issue here,” he said.

Superintendent Michael Faulk said he will compensate for the extra nursing position by transferring two other positions to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which means their salaries would be reimbursed by the federal government.

Faulk said he’s confirmed the two positions are eligible for the program.

Faulk said he’s cut the budget in every area that isn’t essential to the school system’s daily operations, including travel and professional services.