Business Administrators Conference Call on March 18th

Since 2006, we have partnered with a myriad of organizations – including school districts, non-profits, and businesses – to support their leaders and teams so that they meet their goals and achieve success.

Members of our TMS Team sat in on a conference call with Jay Sullivan from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on March 18th. The purpose of the call was to gather questions to share with the Department of Revenue/Division of Local Services. Here is a synopsis of the phone call.

1.    These are initial conversations, and it may take a while to reach a course of action.

2.    Collaboratives were concerned because their revenue is mainly tuitions and sometimes transportation.  Jay said what is clear is that they can pre-bill and be prepaid, so that should not be an issue.

3.    Town Accountants have the authority to kick back other pre-payments, hence this call. (c.41 sec 56.)

4.    Many questions about transportation, some not wanting to pay, others wanting to maintain good relationships for post-covid reality.  This will be part of the conference call to DSL, but at this point they recommend:

-Checking the contract with school counsel to see what is obligated to be paid

-Negotiate with vendor as to actual expenses (leases and salaries valid, maintenance and gas, not.) The latter may be more legit expenses, and hopefully there will be clarity from DLS.

-Make payments yet? NO.  Jay indicates that February could be paid, as service was rendered.  March wouldn’t be due yet, and hopefully there would be more clarity by then.

5.    Other topic questions – can payments be made without SC signing a warrant -NO

6.    Will there be reimbursements for districts not at 50% Free & Reduced, but providing lunches?  A provision for this is in the House (Congress) passed bill that went to the Senate….TBD

7.    Some town accountants want to treat all town depts the same, and not pay teachers.  Jay reminded all that if 95% of NSS is not paid out, CH 70 will be reduced next year.

Extensions – Circuit Breaker extraordinary relief submission extended from 3/31 to 4/7, EOYR Audit submission extended from 3/31 to 4/30.

Another conference call has been scheduled for Friday, March 20th. TMS will be on the call and update this page with any new information.