Sumter School District employee bonuses likely discussed again Tuesday at Finance Committee meeting

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Given Sumter School District's most updated financial projections show a net income of $4.8 million this year, the topic of employee bonuses might be on the table again Tuesday night for the trustees' Finance Committee meeting.

A district staff member posted the committee meeting agenda online for the media and general public on Monday, and a committee member said as much last week at the full board's monthly work session.

Like at the March 22 work session, district Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Miller will present the general fund statement of revenues and expenditures through February at Tuesday night's committee meeting, according to the agenda.

That report projects a positive change in the fund balance of $4.8 million this year, after Miller estimated in the district's December and January financial reports that it looked as if it might be a break-even year for the district.

The biggest change in the February financial report was removing a $3.7 million, or 5%, across-the-board state revenue reduction. District administration said last week it made the adjustment since a reduction in state revenue now appears unlikely.

That was one of several "budget unknowns" that had tabled the board's discussion on bonuses earlier this year.

After Area 4 Trustee Johnny Hilton heard the new report, he proposed further discussion on bonus money or a salary increase for the meeting.

According to the agenda, the committee may make a recommendation to the full board.

Federal CARES Act funding will also be a topic, according to the agenda.

Like all board-related meetings since last April, the meeting will be virtual and closed in-person to the public due to COVID-19. All people wanting to attend the meeting virtually can do so via YouTube Sumter School District Board Meeting and the district's Facebook page, @SumterSCSchools.