The board approved 7.81 mills for the FY 2009 budget, 7.42 for maintenance and operation and .39 mills for the debt.
Board member Sammy Smith cast the only no vote, saying he wanted more budget cuts, but did not get them during budget deliberations during the summer.
Taxpayer Gerald Gailey wanted assurance from the board that what happened to cause the system's $5.6-million deficit would not happen again.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Merrianne Dyer said controls were in place, including controls on all school accounts.
Kellie Weeks, a Centennial Elementary School parent, said she wants to see tuition increased for out of system students; the board plans to take up tuition comments and recommendations at a Saturday, Oct. 4 hearing at Enota Elementary School set for 11 a.m.
Board member Maria Calkins said she wants the millage brought back down whenever possible; Vice Chairman Kelvin Simmons said that might not be possible soon because of the economy.
STUDENT BUS RIDES
Gainesville school board members learned that system buses have adequate fuel to keep running during the current gas crunch, according to transportation director Jerry Castleberry.
They also learned that one full-sized 72 bus daily picks up only four students in north Gainesville; Simmons said he wants that to change.
"That bus just goes out and picks up four kids and comes back to town. Now that is a waste of fuel and taxpayers' money," Simmons said.
Simmons said he wants that change to occur soon, possibly when the board meets next month.
Castleberry said because of the economy, more students are riding school buses in Gainesville - especially in west Gainesville - where another bus is needed.
Board member Sammy Smith cast the only no vote, saying he wanted more budget cuts but did not get them
Transportation Dir. Jerry Castleberry
Kellie Weeks said she wants to see tuition increased for out of system students
Taxpayer Gerald Gailey wanted assurance from the Board
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/9/213642