The board’s decision to contract MSBA for the superintendent search followed a presentation by Dave Lutz, who outlined the terms of the agreement. The agreement, previously reviewed by the superintendent search committee, the executive director of finance and operations, and the district’s legal counsel, received unanimous support from the present board members after a motion by Sheila Prior and a second by Harris Bend.

In addition to the superintendent search contract, the board received a comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Presented by Jackie Heagle from LB Carlson, the audit report affirmed the district’s strong financial position, with no material weaknesses or instances of non-compliance noted. A notable change was the implementation of GASB Statement No. 101, which introduced new accounting principles for compensated absences, increasing the district’s reported liabilities by approximately $20 million.

The audit revealed a $10 million increase in both the cash and investment balance and the general fund balance, ending at approximately $86.3 million and $63.5 million, respectively. General fund revenues totaled about $228 million, a $13 million increase largely driven by increased enrollment and funding formula adjustments. Heagle’s presentation also highlighted the district’s success in managing expenditures, which rose by $16 million due to salary, benefit increases, and transportation costs but remained $3.5 million under the final budget.

The meeting further addressed the district’s educational strategies, with discussions on enhancing college and career readiness for students. The high school is working to bridge enrollment gaps in advanced courses, with efforts focused on identifying students who may benefit from such courses through data analysis and direct outreach. This initiative aims to increase awareness and participation in Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities, particularly among first-generation students.

The board also reviewed efforts to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which have shown considerable success. For the 2024-2025 academic year, students earned 1,344 concurrent enrollment credits, and programs like the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course saw high participation, offering students immediate employability post-graduation.

Additionally, the board engaged in a discussion about the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and ongoing teacher training initiatives. Emphasis was placed on culturally responsive teaching practices, with an annual staff survey revealing that 75% of teachers self-assessed at embracing or living the ideal levels of these standards. The district is committed to refining educational practices to create equitable opportunities and foster inclusive learning environments.

The meeting concluded with a presentation on the development of a school board handbook, intended to consolidate board policies and procedures into a single, accessible document. The draft, currently under review, aims to streamline board operations and enhance governance. Feedback from board members is being solicited ahead of the formal presentation scheduled for December 16, allowing for ongoing updates and refinements throughout the year.