0:00A major focus of the meeting was the revised budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which revealed a growing deficit due to rising costs in special education services. An administrative member, identified only as M NASA, provided a detailed presentation on the budget, highlighting the challenges faced by the district. Despite these hurdles, the food service budget was reported to be in a healthy state, projecting a surplus of over $56,000, thanks to successful grant applications and effective management. However, the community education program was facing a projected deficit of $147,200, primarily due to the high salaries of licensed teachers required for the preschool program, which operates on a fee-based model.

The board engaged in a discussion about the financial pressures of maintaining quality community education services. Concerns were raised about meeting the district’s 12% fund balance policy amid ongoing deficit spending. The conversation also touched on the competitive nature of attracting families to the district and the historical practice of using general funds to offset community education expenses. The need for increased legislative support to address stagnant state funding for community education was emphasized.

Inquiries were made regarding the persistent negative balance of the community education program, with some board members acknowledging that such deficits are common in fee-based models. The importance of sustaining programs that support families and contribute to long-term community engagement was a key theme in the discussion.

The meeting also featured updates on student enrollment figures, with a slight decline noted in high school and intermediate levels, while elementary enrollment remained stable. M NASA cautioned against drawing early conclusions from these numbers, stressing the need for continued monitoring.

19:33On a positive note, the board heard reports on several extracurricular successes. The one-act play advanced to the sectional round following a strong performance, and the dance team received accolades for significant improvements. The junior high speech team was recognized for its impressive achievements at a recent conference meet, with individual participants earning notable placements. The board also praised the transportation department for securing a $7,000 grant to enhance student safety by installing additional cameras to monitor stop-arm violations.

The board meeting included an administrator’s report on the “kindness and respect retreats,” which were organized by You Frontiers. These retreats, aimed at fostering a positive school culture, involved seniors leading ninth-grade sessions and tenth graders assisting fourth graders. The initiative was highlighted as a successful collaboration between staff and students.

In addition, the board acknowledged the increased participation in preschool and kindergarten registration events, attributing the success to the efforts of 26 district employees who facilitated the process. Optimism was expressed regarding the potential for next year’s kindergarten class to exceed expectations.

The meeting also included preparations for future events, including an indoor air quality pre-bid walkthrough scheduled for the 13th and superintendent interviews planned for February 24-25. An important announcement was made about a departing board member, identified as Aon, who was thanked for her contributions to the district’s stability.