School board wants to keep control over school system budgeting and accounting

The decision over who controls the school system’s accounting and budgeting is currently made locally, and the Dickson County School Board wants to keep that authority. As it is right now, the county commission holds the power to decide whether the county works under a 1957 law or a 1981 statute. Dickson County currently operates under the ’57 act, which allows the school board to control school system accounting. A recent audit of the county recommends changing to the ’81 act, which would place school system finances under the control of the county’s accounts and budget director. Before voting to accept that audit Thursday night, board members said they want to make sure that does not mean they are endorsing or accepting that recommendation. Furthermore, Director Danny Weeks presented the board with a list of education-related issues expected to come up in the Tennessee General Assembly, including an act that would require school system finances to come under county control. The board asked Weeks to prepare resolutions on several issues, including one opposing the change in fiscal management, to present to the board for formal votes at its December meeting. The board also is expected to vote on resolutions supporting contracted directors and opposing a return to an elected position, supporting local control of school calendars, opposing the diversion of public funds for vouchers, calling for local control of charter schools and urging complete state funding of the Basic Education Program.