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Board Briefs - September 23, 2025

  • The Board Briefs are highlights from the most recent Board of Education meetings. The purpose of the Board Briefs is to provide a timely summary to keep our staff, parents and public informed of the key items that were discussed or acted upon. More detailed information is available under the Board Schedules, Agendas and Minutes section of the District’s website. Official minutes are not posted until approval at the following meeting.

    Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
    During a public hearing, Superintendent Mark Cross reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, with no changes from what was originally presented at the August meeting. The budget includes a relatively small total deficit of just over $185,000, excluding planned capital improvements as the district continues to execute its facilities plan. This follows a healthy surplus at the close of FY25, as the school district has continued to build its fund balances and improve our financial standing over the last several years. Excluding estimated expenditures related to planned facility improvements, the total expenditure budget for FY26 is just under $15.5 million.

    Superintendent Search Update
    The Board heard that there are 29 applications so far for the vacancy created when Mr. Cross retires next June. This is a strong number with over two weeks still remaining until the October 10 application deadline. After work with the screening consultants, the Board will review candidates in October, will be interviewing finalists during the month of November, and is expected to announce the next superintendent in December. The new superintendent will officially begin duties July 1, 2026.

    Update and Discussion Regarding Joining an Educational Benefit Cooperative
    Mr. Cross reviewed a resolution that would authorize membership in the Educational Benefit Cooperative. The EBC is a large Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance consortium of approximately 135 school districts. As a small district, membership in the cooperative may put the district in a better position to maintain a strong insurance program for teachers and staff, with hopefully less fluctuation in premiums. The EBC has been in place since the 1980s.

    Discussion Regarding Phase III Facility Planning
    The Board discussed the potential for Phase III facility planning, which would be for work expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. The Board authorized Mr. Cross and the Facilities Committee to vet proposed projects with the school district architects for further review later this fall. Potential Phase III improvements under consideration can be found on the Facility and Safety Planning page.

    In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

    • Adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget
    • Approved four construction change orders totaling approximately $180,000
    • Approved the employee health, dental, and vision insurance renewal
    • Approved a resolution authorizing membership in the Educational Benefit Cooperative
    • Approved the District Concussion Oversight Team members
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