By STEPHEN DAWKINS

Staff Writer

HOOVER – Hoover’s school system is saving money but still needs to take steps to address its budget deficit.

Hoover City Schools Superintendent Kathy Murphy reported to the Board of Education during a regular meeting on Aug. 8 that the system has spent $2.6 million less this year through June than during the same time period in 2015.

Murphy said the savings are related to the system delaying filling some vacant positions, deciding not to fill other positions and deferred projects.

Murphy stressed that the system’s financial picture is subject to change until the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

The report was part of the monthly financial statement presented the board, with payroll for July at about $7.1 million and disbursements at about $2.3 million.

An increase in teacher pay mandated by the Alabama Legislature will likely take up any savings realized by the school system, Murphy said, and the system’s financial uncertainties run deeper.

Murphy gave the second part of financial presentations to the board, with this one focused on state and federal funding.

According to information presented by Murphy, Hoover City Schools ranks 128 out of 136 in state revenue by average daily membership, 133 in federal revenue and third in local revenue.

Murphy provided details about the state and local funding the system receives, answered questions from board members and the public about the funding, and said decisions about funding and/or services offered will have to be made as revenue has not grown at the same pace as enrollment.

“Investing in our children is a privilege, not a burden,” Murphy said and added, “We get what we pay for.”

In other business, the board:

•Approved contracts totaling $305,743.

•Heard from Tim Westhoven with the city of Hoover about the city’s desire for a temporary construction easement on board property during the construction of a sports complex. The property in question is adjacent to Hoover High School and Trace Crossings Elementary School. There is a 15-foot encroachment at one location and encroachments of about 50 feet at two other locations. Westhoven said that after construction was completed, the city would fill in the property and perform landscaping work. Board Chairman Stephen Presley said schools officials would discuss the matter with counsel and address it at an upcoming meeting.

•Recognized state Rep. David Faulkner and several Hoover City Council members that were in attendance at the meeting.

•Recognized the Berry Middle School English and Science Team for placing fifth nationally in the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science competition.

•Recognized the Hoover High School International Baccalauereate Program for a 100-percent pass rate among seniors and other accomplishments.

•Recognized Spain Park High School softball coach C.J. Hawkins, who, along with her staff, was named the regional Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

•Recognized new assistant principals at Bumpus Middle School, Greystone Elementary School and South Shades Crest Elementary School.

•Approved minutes from the regular Board meeting on July 19 and a special called meeting on July 7.

•Approved personnel actions.

•Entered into executive session to discuss pending litigation before adjourning.

The next board meeting will be Sept. 12 at the Board of Education office, located at 2810 Metropolitan Way in Hoover.