Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS – The Leeds Board of Education briefly met on Monday morning where they discussed Superintendent John Moore’s desire to further insure Leeds Elementary School.
Leeds Superintendent John Moore on 10-16-2023
The meeting began with Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller’s report on district finances for the month of August, which is the 11th month of the fiscal year.
96.19% of the general fund revenue was received, along with 105.97% of the local revenues, up 6.33% from this time in 2022. Expenditures and other fund uses in the general fund were 90.41%, under, under a target of 91.67%.
Accounts payable were $402,429. Gross payroll expenditures were $1,293,000. The month was ended with an excess of revenues over expenditures in the general fund of $1,611,087. The unreserved fund balance was $5,756,992.
During his comments, Moore said that the elementary school was underinsured and in need of expanded insurance.
“It is grossly underinsured in the event of a complete loss,” he said, adding that the school has an estimated $20 million coverage but that this wouldn’t be adequate in the case of events such as tornadoes that may cause extensive damage.
He said that he has exhausted his options in reaching out to whoever can insure it for an acceptable amount but also stated that premiums are “way up,” complicating the search. He stressed, however, that the other buildings within the district are properly insured.
Moore also mentioned the upcoming Leeds High School Greenwave game against Moody on Friday, Oct. 20, saying that there is seating for an additional 500 people as well as additional security.
The bid for the HVAC system for the elementary school will open on the first week of December, Moore said. Additionally, he mentioned several libraries that have come to widespread attention due to challenges made about certain books that they were carrying.
Moore said that in the cases of challenges made to books, there is a process that involves forming a committee consisting of the principal, parents, librarian and teachers that examine the material and then determine whether or not it is appropriate for the school.
He stressed that this has not happened at the Leeds district but wanted to bring it up in the event that such a thing happens in the future.
“It’s not an issue,” he said. “I mean, it’s not an issue until it is an issue.”
The next meeting will be held on Nov. 13, at 10 a.m., at the Leeds Board of Education Building located at 1517 Hurst Avenue.