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Blount County school board members approved Monday allocating $143,820 for facility additions at Union Grove Elementary and Middle schools.

Blount County Finance Director Dave Bennett has made the budget appropriations for these additions, said Troy Logan, the system's fiscal administrator, in the board's June 4 meeting. Bennett booked $358,000 as accounts receivable from Pellissippi State Community College, he said.

The money stems from a deal that County Commissioner Gerald Kirby helped negotiate between Blount County Schools, Pellissippi State and the Blount County Economic Development Board concerning the cost of a sewer line for the area.

The $310,016 left over from the Union Grove bond issuance can be designated for other capital projects if Blount County Commissioners approve the move, Logan said.

Board member Mike Treadway made a motion to spend the money on:

$17,500 for electrical service to Union Grove Middle School's baseball and softball fields;

$1,500 for electrical cable installation at Union Grove Middle School;

$1,500 for a water tap fee at Union Grove Middle School;

$1,480 for the installation of a water line to Union Grove Middle School's softball and baseball fields;

$16,560 for safety fencing around the softball field's outfield and dugout;

$11,000 for the paving of an access road at Union Grove Middle School;

$230 for exterior door numbers at Union Grove Elementary School;

$2,300 for a sound system at Union Grove Middle School;

$6,000 for Union Grove Middle School's softball concession stand;

$8,000 for an athletic equipment storage building;

$15,000 for baseball bleachers;

$10,000 for track equipment;

$52,750 for security equipment at Union Grove Elementary and Middle schools.

Treadway's motion also asked school officials to bring the item before the County Commission to see if they would allow board members to move the bond issuance's remaining $166,196 and possibly fund other needed capital projects.

In other action, board members approved allocating an additional $21,544 in next year's budget so officials can host the Star Student Information System at the district level. The cost is not being added to the fiscal 2009-10 budget, because the technology department had already encumbered the necessary revenue, said Dr. Brian Bell, the system's facilities and technology supervisor.

Star Student is a Web-based student data management system that allows educators and administrators to access grade, attendance and discipline records. Another aspect of the Star system is a Web portal by which teachers and parents may access a student's records.

Century has offered a proposal that divides the total licensing and implementation costs over a two-year time period. School officials are projected to spend $71,164 for fiscal 2010-2011.