Enrollment at the Rowan-Salisbury School System is slightly higher than expected so far this year, a school official said Monday. But the system still has not made up its projected loss of 140 students this year compared to 2012-13.
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education heard an update at its meeting from Chief Financial Officer Tara Trexler, who said enrollment has increased since the first day of the 2013-14 school year.
Trexler said the average daily membership (ADM) figure as of Friday was 19,962, and the state funded Rowan-Salisbury for 19,925 students – a difference of 37. If that difference grows to more than 100, Trexler said, the school system can apply for more money.
At Monday’s meeting, the board also:
• Heard an update on the central office project. The city of Salisbury has withdrawn its application to the Local Government Commission for funding of the downtown office.
Board member Josh Wagner asked what the rest of the board thinks about East Spencer’s request to keep the office there, either in the same renovated building or nearby.
Chairman Richard Miller said the school board approved a resolution several months ago to support the donation of the Long Street building to East Spencer once the school administration moves out. Wagner said he thought the county and the town both liked that idea.
Board member Jean Kennedy said she was surprised by East Spencer’s resolution, which the town board approved last Tuesday. She said Mayor Barbara Mallett is a friend of hers, but they had not discussed this. Miller said town officials did not communicate their request to school officials before passing the resolution.
• Approved a bid for replacement of part of the roof at Erwin Middle School, which officials said is leaking very badly. The low bid, a total of $85,000 was from Radco Construction. This includes replacing 4,700 square feet of roof over the locker rooms and relocating rooftop HVAC units.
• Met in closed session to discuss the status of budget mediation with county commissioners and a student transfer.