Ferguson requested money be transferred from the district's 16th section interest account into the district's general account to cover payroll and other expenses. Ferguson's first two requests, at two separate special-called meetings, were denied by a majority of the board despite Ferguson's concern that payroll checks would be returned due to insufficient funds.
Finally, after a board majority voted for "no confidence" in Ferguson's ability to manage the financial business of the district, the board voted to transfer $75,000 of 16th section interest into the district maintenance account. They also set a limit of $70,000 of expenditures for the month of November, excluding food services, activity fund account and emergency purchases.
The board also demanded to be alerted to any payroll shortfalls immediately so a solution can be found.
In this troubled economy, concessions must be made - on both sides. Board members' disapproval of the superintendant's performance should not interfere with compensating loyal and hardworking teachers and district employees. It also should not affect the education of Carroll County's students.
With cuts made to the Mississippi Adequate Education Program on a statewide level, school districts across Mississippi are struggling to operate within tightened budgets. To accommodate the state funding shortfall, the board of education and the superintendent need to be cooperative with each other in managing the Carroll County School District.
In addition, the district's ultimate goal of providing a quality education for its students must come before policy disagreements.
If the school board disagrees with the financial management of the district, board members should discuss the matter with Ferguson to find a solution with the best interest of the district in mind. In return, on Ferguson's side, more transparency of the day to day accounting should be made available to the board to keep them informed of any shortfalls. It never hurts when elected officials collaborate in finding solutions for tough problems.
Finally, the board of education and the superintendant are setting an example for the students of Carroll County. An example of cooperation and respect is the right one from county leaders.
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