JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Jackson Public School Board trustees approved the budget for the upcoming school year Tuesday. Incoming superintendent Dr. Cedrick Gray was in attendance at the meeting.
The board approved a just over $206 million dollar operating budget for the 2012-2013 school year. The vote was six for and one against.
A resolution requesting an ad valorem tax increase passed by a vote of four to zero, with three members abstaining. Those abstaining were Dr. Otha Burton, Monica Gilmore Love and Timothy Collins.
The proposed JPS budget also includes $8 million dollars in reductions or cost saving measures, as well as layoffs.
The district is asking the City of Jackson for a 3 to 3.5 mil increase to pay for escalating debt service payments from the 2006 bond issue.
Prior to the budget meeting a reception was also held for Dr. Ivory Phillips whose five-year term expires June 30. During his time on the board, Phillips served as past president and secretary.
This was also the last official board meeting for interim superintendent Dr. Jayne Sargent and JPS media relations executive director Peggy Hampton. Both are retiring June 30.
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