The Pike County Board of Education approved the system’s FY12 budget at its September meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Bazzell said that, given the difficult economic times, he was pleased with the budget that includes anticipated revenue of $21,965,799.

“Sixty percent of the budget is state money, 17 percent is federal and 26 percent is local money,” Bazzell said. “The expenses are expected to match up with the anticipated revenue, unless there is proration, then that will change.”

Bazzell said 69 percent of the budget is for instructional services and support.

“Given the storm we have weathered over the past three to four years, we are holding our own and are still able to dedicate the majority of our budget to instructional services,” he said. “We are trying to keep most of our money in the classroom.”

The number of employees is down to 300 this school year but Bazzell said the majority of the reductions came through attrition.

Bazzell said the anticipated ending fund balance will be between $1.8 and $1.9 million.

The board hasn’t budgeted any capital expenditures in FY11 or FY12. About $650,000 in emergency money can be flexed to be used for other purposes. A portion of that money will be in reserve with the $1.8 million.

The board approved half the cost for a new intercom system for Banks Middle School not to exceed $3,000 and an audio system for Goshen High School football at half the total cost of $1,608.”

The board approved a contract with the Pike County Economic Development Corp. and contracts with JBHM.

The board approved a request for Brooke Terry and Joy Taylor to attend the Healthier US School Challenge Recognition reception in Washington D.C. on Oct. 17 and for Terry to attend the Child Nutrition Director’s Conference in Perdido Beach Nov. 8-10. Expenses for both will be paid by the Child Nutrition Program.

In personnel action, the board approved the hiring of Lenord Jones for the special education teacher position at Pike County High School. The board accepted the resignation of David Jones as bus mechanic/bus driver position effective Oct. 1.

A request for maternity leave under the Family Medical Leave Act by Ashley Kilpatrick was approved by the board. The board approved Shelby Putman as a long-term sub for Kilpatrick’s maternity leave.

The board also approved the employment of Lenda Sanders as remediation instructor at GHS for 2011-12. This position is funded through Title I.