The money could be used for capital expenditures.

Board of Education member Alan Sturm said how the board actually uses the money will depend on how “capital expenditures” is defined. He believes everything from building construction to building maintenance and computer purchases could apply.

“It can be interpreted broadly,” Sturm said, conceding it could not be used for teacher salaries or “consumables.”

Jefferson County Schools’ total annual budget is $85 million. And $4 million in additional funds for capital expenditures could free up monies now budgeted for buildings and maintenance, Sturm said.

“That can generate a lot of other funds,” he said.

That could in turn lead to an across-the-board salary increase for teachers, a measure the board has discussed in the past but has not committed to. Another positive measure from additional funding from lottery proceeds could be to reduce the school tax levy, Sturm said.

“It wouldn’t be a major tax deduction ... but it would be some relief,” he said.

Sturm said he would “never argue” with anyone who is morally opposed to gambling.

He also noted that board’s endorsement of table games is in no way a mandate to teachers to vote for the measure; it’s simply the board taking a stance on the issue, he emphasized.

“As a board member, I’m looking at it strictly from a fiscal point of view,” Sturm said. “And I see nothing but benefits for the county.”