Board Meeting Bulletin, 9/14/2026

Welcome to our Board Meeting Bulletin series, where we highlight key takeaways from each board meeting to keep our community informed and engaged with the latest developments in our school district.

2026-27 Budget Hearing: Before the regular meeting, the board held its annual hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget. Assistant Superintendent Brett Richards walked through each of the district's funds, including a proposed general fund budget of $177,431,296 and a proposed total of $248,660,396 across all funds. He reminded the community that budget figures are the maximum the district is authorized to spend, not the amount it expects to spend or collect, and that the district's property tax request is based on anticipated spending. This year's budget reflects the opening of Lincoln View Elementary, rising special education costs, and added transportation, custodial, and maintenance needs. Mr. Richards indicated the overall levy is expected to decrease slightly from last year. The board is expected to consider adopting the budget at its September 28 meeting.

District Goals: The board heard the district's two goals for the 2026-27 school year, set after a review of student achievement data. The achievement goal focuses on improving K-12 English language arts. Progress will be measured through MAP reading growth in grades K-3, state NSCAS assessments in grades 3-8, and the ACT in 11th grade. The systems goal focuses on strengthening the district's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), including more efficient building teams and guaranteed intervention time in every school's schedule. The district is partnering with Dr. Judy Elliott and her team to support this work.

Superintendent Performance Goals: Dr. Rikli presented his draft performance goals for 2026-27. They cover five areas: implementing the district's strategic plan, enhancing communication and engagement, advancing curriculum, instruction, assessment, and technology priorities, expanding staff recruitment, retention, and succession planning, and completing operational, facility, and building safety projects. The goals draw on the strategic plan, board feedback, and staff and parent surveys, and will guide his annual evaluation. The board will continue reviewing the draft before formal adoption.

Voluntary Separation Application: The board reviewed Policy 4143, the district's Temporary Early Retirement Incentive Program, which is reviewed each year. The program applies to certificated teachers and does not include administrators. This year, 81 staff members are eligible, and the proposal would allow the board to approve up to 15 applications for the 2026-27 school year. The only recommended policy change is updating the language to refer to the current school year.

These are just a few of the topics discussed during our recent board meeting. For full access to agendas and minutes, please visit our website. Broadcast recordings of the meetings are also available on our YouTube channel.