The meeting centered around the anticipated changes in state funding and their impact on the district’s budget. Brenda, who presented the monthly financial report, highlighted a slight enrollment increase from 806 to 810 students from December to January. However, concerns were primarily directed towards compensatory revenue, which has been affected by legislative changes related to free and reduced lunch eligibility. Brenda detailed the adjustments in funding formulas, which now include Medicare-eligible families, leading to increased funding for some districts while others face significant reductions. The district’s anticipated funding increase from the governor’s proposal was discussed, noting that if passed, funding could rise from $1.2 million to approximately $1.353 million, contrasting with the current projection of $1.28 million.

The board discussed strategies to mitigate the impact of these financial changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining programs reliant on compensatory revenue. Brenda explained the district’s approach of setting aside funds to create a buffer against potential future declines in revenue. This cautious financial planning aims to protect against unforeseen changes in state funding, with the upcoming release of the state’s February forecast expected to play a critical role in future budget planning.

The board also deliberated on the renewal of the expiring operating referendum. A statutory change has resulted in a shift in funding from the referendum amount, initially set at $866 per pupil unit ten years ago, to a proposed decrease of $566. The $300 difference would be reallocated to a different funding category. The board expressed its intent to maintain current funding levels for an additional ten years without seeking voter approval for adjustments.

Another topic was the district’s strategic planning efforts, including the development of a survey to gather stakeholder feedback. The board aims to engage families and community members to help shape the district’s vision for the future. A draft of the survey was shared, with plans for further refinement before distribution. The survey seeks to collect insights from families, especially those who choose to open enroll their students elsewhere, to better understand their reasons and improve district offerings. Additionally, there was a proposal to conduct a follow-up survey with graduates one to two years post-graduation to assess how their education impacted their current paths, providing concrete data about the effectiveness of educational programs.

The meeting also included discussions about the district’s transportation needs. The board approved the sale of two 2004 school buses that had been deemed unusable. One bus had already been partially dismantled for parts, while the second had a faulty brake system. The sale of the excess equipment was seen as a practical solution to manage the district’s assets.

Simultaneously, the board explored the purchase of new or used school buses, acknowledging the challenges of finding good quality, low-mileage vehicles. The budget initially accounted for one bus at around $90,000, but an opportunity to purchase two buses was presented. The board debated the potential cost increases due to inflation and the future need for additional buses. Ultimately, a motion to approve the purchase of both buses was passed.

In addition to these financial and logistical discussions, the board recognized the achievements of the Shadows dance group, represented by Carly Wager, for winning the state championship.

The student council reported on initiatives to enhance student engagement, including a survey on snow day activities and dress-up days. The council’s efforts in organizing successful events like the Crush Can fundraiser, which sold over 200 cans, were highlighted as part of their dedication to involving students and raising funds for future activities.

Finally, the board addressed routine matters such as the acceptance of gifts, donations, and grants, personnel matters including resignations and appointments, and the non-renewal of tier one and tier two teachers as required by state law. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the board’s support for the Dollars for Scholars program.