Hickman County Board approves $400K textbook adoption and budget amendments

The Hickman County Board of Education convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant textbook adoption and budget amendments aimed at enhancing educational resources.

The meeting began with a discussion on the adoption of new textbooks, which is projected to cost approximately $250,000. Board members noted that this purchase would allow for digital resources for K-2 students, while middle and high school students would continue to have access to physical textbooks. The board emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students, particularly those without access to technology at home, would have the necessary materials for their education. A motion to approve the textbook adoption was made and unanimously passed following a roll call vote.

Following the textbook discussion, the board addressed three budget amendments. The first amendment, labeled Budget Amendment 29, included additional revenue from an insurance recovery related to Hinton County Middle School, totaling $212,960.62. This funding will be allocated to capital outlay expenditures. The board also acknowledged a generous donation from a local family, which will be distributed to schools, and noted increased revenue from the Technical College of Applied Technology (TCAT) related to enrollment, benefiting Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Budget Amendment 30 involved reallocating funds from outside donations to better manage expenditures. Meanwhile, Budget Amendment 31 addressed funds received from opioid recovery legislation grants, which had been approved by a county board in December but were not received until February. The board discussed the need to finalize these budget adjustments to ensure proper allocation of resources.

The meeting concluded with a budget update, where board members reviewed the financial implications of property tax assessments in Hickman County. The board's collaborative efforts were acknowledged, highlighting the extensive work involved in preparing for the upcoming educational initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing educational resources and ensuring that all students have access to the necessary tools for their academic success.