Notes from the Birmingham Board of Education Finance Committee Meeting

My apologies that these notes took so long to be written.  A range of personal circumstances conspired to keep me away from my duties.  Even though the Birmingham board is set to vote today on the financial plan required by the state department of education, the discussion at the finance committee meeting is relevant.

Much interesting discussion was had during the course of meeting, including a discussion of a mandatory direct deposit program for employees, possible renegotiation of interest rates with Regions Bank on the districts’ deposits, resurrection of a detailed financial report to allow board members to better understand how money is being spent, resurrection of a financial report that would allow board members and principals to get a clear understanding of how money is spent at the school level, and brainstorming of ideas for cost savings across the district.

And after an hour and a half of discussion, an audience member being allowed the opportunity to express her frustration with the inaction of the board and their perceived lack of urgency to deal with the necessary preparations for the next school year.

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