Franklin OKs some capital fund projects

Franklin School Board members approved a number of financial matters during their virtual meeting Monday.

In preparation for discussions on the district’s 2020-2021 budget, board members voted to solidify several capital fund projects totaling $297,579.

The projects will include a $84,050 payment that will be put toward a substantial debt the district incurred during its renovation of the high school outdoor athletic complex in 2011.

A synthetic turf field was installed as part of the $2.1 million project.

Other projects will be a $105,000 upgrade to HVAC controls, a $25,000 hot water boiler at Victory Elementary, $13,000 to replace carpet in the band and music rooms, $30,000 for exterior doors at Sandycreek and Victory elementary schools, $20,729 for lighting at Sandycreek Elementary, $10,000 for concrete work at all schools and $9,800 for a vinyl fence to be installed around the playground at Sandycreek.

The 2020-21 budget will be up for tentative approval in May and final approval in June.

In another matter, business manager Jackie Dutchcot warned the board Monday the district’s cafeteria fund will “probably take a hit” this year.

“We’re not going to get the $60,000 profit we were expecting this year,” Dutchcot said.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic and the closure of schools, Dutchcot said reimbursement is a possibility but it is too soon to count on those funds.

The district’s cafeteria fund has finished with a profit for the last several school years, so the prospect of finishing in the red would not be detrimental, she said.