Greg Hook, ABSS Chief Operations Officer, provided updates on the mold remediation. He gave a timeline and background information.
The Total PayGo Expenditures as of 8/31/2023
Total Expenditures $2,515,213.09
Planned Spending and Unplanned spending $1,247,371.70
Unplanned Mold Remediation Spending $1,267,841.39
Remaining PayGo Balance $784,786.91
BOC Redirection of PayGo Funds as of 9/1/2023
Unplanned Mold Remediation Spending $1,267,841.39
BOC Reallocated Spending of 2,032,158.61
Remaining PayGo Balance $0
Mr. Hook reminded the Board that they had previously approved during the joint meetings redirecting Paygo Funding. He said that the motion did not account for encumbered planned spending and unplanned spending of $1,247,371.70 from the Paygo Funds. Vice-Chair Carter asked if they already knew some of the funds were spent. Mr. Lowell Rogers, ABSS Deputy Superintendent, explained that he would take responsibility for not being prepared. He said after the Board of Commissioners voted during that meeting, staff had mentioned to him about the spent Paygo Funds.
Mr. Hook discussed the encumbered Paygo Funds projects that were planned and unplanned for the months of July 5- August 24, 2023.
ABSS Revised Request
Reinstatement of PayGo Funds $3,300,00.00
Remaining Mold Remediation Invoices $5,234,458.96
Total Request $8,534,457.96
Mr. Hooked requested that the Board consider reallocation of the full Paygo funding to cover necessary projects.
Commissioner Thompson commented that both boards needed to work together to get things done. She explained during the 3-day joint meeting, they were able to move around the school funds to get the mold remediation paid. Commissioner Thompson stated they could not spend $20 million on mold and not take care of the roofs. She said it was easy to fuss about a situation but hard to do something about.
Vice-Chair Carter commented that they needed to find a solution. He said they would ask the administration to take a look at the request and come back with ideas on how to solve the problem. Vice-Chair Carter recommended tabling 7.C (ABSS Mold Remediation Update) for final discussion and vote at the first meeting in December.
Commissioner Lashley said other people's decisions had made the problems they were facing now. He continued that a process would need to happen over the next 6 months to help move them forward. Commissioner Lashley agreed with Vice-Chair Carter that the subject should be tabled because there were a lot of facts and figures that needed to be reviewed.
Chairman Paisley reiterated some of the issues that had led to the school system's problems.
Vice Chair Carter, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, moved to table the discussion and vote until the first meeting in December. The motion carried without opposition.