Tipton School Board meets, approves tax levy rate

Building and grounds tours, before the actual school board meeting, followed by a public hearing on the tax levy rate at the Tipton R-VI School Board meeting Aug. 14.

The tour group included Tipton school board members, administrators, new Superintendent Terry Robinson, interim Superintendent Johnny Thompson and Maintenance Director Dean Bishop. The tax levy rate hearing followed.

During the actual board meeting, the tax levy rate was approved under new business. The tax levy rates approved were general fund $2.8273, debt service fund $1.0883 and capital fund $0.500. The total tax levy rate approved is $3.9656 per each $100 of assessed valuation. This is a decrease of $0.0338 in the tax levy rate for the general fund.

The business of how to proceed concerning investments was unfinished business at the last meeting. At this meeting, it was decided to have the superintendent investigate additional options for the investments, with possible input from L.J. Hart and Company.

The consent agenda approved included approval to re-adopt a Missouri School Board Association policy, which covers board member conflict of interest and financial disclosure. Also approved in the consent agenda was the Annual Secretary of the Board Report for fiscal year 2016-17, which must be filed annually with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Robinson, who took the position effective Aug. 1, and interim Superintendent Johnny Thompson presented the superintendent's report.

Thompson reported on finances and current projections and that the average daily attendance for summer of 2017 was lower than for 2016.

Robinson reported that the staff/student/community survey results were in. He recommended a special work session be set later for checking the surveys in more detail.

The Special Education Local Compliance Plan for 2017-18 was approved by the board.