JEFFERSON — Instead of approving a calendar for the 2010-11 school year, the Jefferson City Schools Board of Education has postponed taking action for at least another month.

According to Superintendent John Jackson, normally he would have had a recommendation to present to the board, but because of continued budget discussions on the state level, he wasn’t able to offer any suggestions during Thursday’s meeting.

“There may not be any changes to the 180-day student calender and the 190 teacher calender,” Jackson said during the meeting.

“But as I sit here today, I’m not sure that will be the case. We may wind up adopting a budget with some questions in it, but I think we may have more answers if we hold off for a month or two.”

During its first meeting of 2010, the board also welcomed new member Janice Wilbanks.

Wilbanks ran an uncontested campaign last year and is replacing her husband, Damon Wilbanks — who chose to not seek re-election.

The board also received an update on the system’s finances. Late last year, the system borrowed $500,000 from a local bank to cover operating costs until revenue was received from local tax collections.

“We’ve paid that back,” said Kim Navas, financial officer.

On top of the principle amount, the system also paid an additional $1,800 for interest and other fees.

Earl Griffin, transportation director, updated the board about the happenings in his department.

According to Griffin, diesel fuel costs reached $2.40 per gallon — the most the department has paid in a year — in December. The department also underwent a state inspection last month and “passed with flying colors.”

“JCS transportation department passed all parts of the state inspection on Dec.16 which included mechanical, safety, cleanliness and record keeping,” he said.  “All of our buses are certified
to meet state safety requirements.”