Ridgewood School Board Reviews Retirements, Financial Health, and Homeschooling Policy

Overview: The Ridgewood School Board meeting covered a range of topics, with focus on honoring retirees, discussing the district’s financial health, and revising homeschooling policies. The session highlighted emotional farewells to long-serving staff, detailed financial adjustments, and deliberated the extent of access homeschooled students should have to district resources.

Southampton Select Board Discusses Election Expenses, Legal Challenges, and Budgetary Concerns

Overview: During the recent Southampton Select Board meeting, several issues were discussed, including the town’s election expenses, looming legal challenges, and various budgetary concerns. The town clerk highlighted the need to increase the election expenses budget to $9,500 due to the numerous elections scheduled for the upcoming year, while legal expenses emerged as a concern with multiple potential lawsuits on the horizon.

Belvidere School Board Tackles Rising Chronic Absenteeism and Budget Challenges

Overview: The Belvidere School Board recently convened to address issues facing the district, with chronic absenteeism and budgetary constraints dominating the agenda. The board discussed corrective action plans to combat a rising absenteeism rate, which has reached concerning levels, and explored strategies to manage a budget gap projected for the 2026-2027 school year.

Palatka Pension Board Explores Global Market Trends and Economic Challenges

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Palatka Pension Board examined key financial trends and economic challenges influencing their pension fund’s performance. Discussions highlighted the pension portfolio’s strategic positioning amidst rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and shifts in global and domestic markets. The board also addressed administrative updates and potential changes to operational procedures, focusing on maintaining a balanced and diversified investment strategy.

Palatka Pension Board Grapples with Custodial Transition and Strategic Investment Adjustments

Overview: The Palatka Pension Board meeting on February 24, 2026, was marked by significant deliberations on the transition from Truist to Principal as the custodial service provider, concerns about market dynamics, and strategic investment adjustments. Board members expressed dissatisfaction with Principal’s service quality, citing delays and responsiveness issues that affected retirees’ transactions. The board decided to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to explore other custodial options.