By By Maryclaire Foster
State education payroll concerns were addressed during Thursday's monthly Board of Education meeting when Chief Financial Officer Julie Madden gave the monthly financial statement review and updated the Board on payroll matters.
More than 32 school systems in the state are having trouble making payroll, but Escambia County Board of Education Superintendent Billy Hines said there is no need for employees or vendors in this county to be concerned.
Hines said the Escambia County Board of Education has approximately two and a half months of fund reserves to cover expenses, including payroll.
Speaking about payroll, Madden said that November's payroll would be handled the same way as October's, being split into two payments, with the first being paid at the end of November and the second sometime in December.
According to a memo from State Board of Education Superintendent Joseph Morton, Gov. Riley is expected to make a proration declaration during the week of Dec. 1.
He also added that Amendment 1 does not erase the problems, it only helps them to be managed and encouraged school boards to continue working on cost-saving plans.
The Board also swore in the recently re-elected Mike Goolsby and W. J. Grissett and selected them Board chairman and vice-chairman respectively.
Hines expressed his congratulations to the men and commended them.
In other business, the board: