School System Made No Request to Defer Funds Transfer

Contrary to news reports and a news release made by the Knox County Commission late Friday evening, Knox County School Administrators have not requested to defer action on moving $2.1 million from the school’s construction budget to the general-purpose budget.

According to the Knox County Commission news release the school system “formally asked that the request for the transfer be deferred” during the recent meeting of the Commission’s agenda committee.

“We have not asked this action be deferred either formally or otherwise,” said Dr. Charles Lindsey, superintendent of Knox County Schools. “We certainly want this issue acted upon by the School Board and County Commission this month, and the school family is gratified to see that Commissioners Leuthold, Cooper and McMillan find this as pressing an issue as do we.”

“Some commissioners seem concerned that moving the funds will impact roof and heating and air-conditioning projects in the schools,” said Lindsey. “This is not the case. We have provided commissioners a detailed list of projects to be delayed, and they should be aware that we do not intend to impact these areas.”

The Executive Committee of the Board of Education will request that this resolution remain on the County Commission agenda for action this month.

30