JUNE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Budgets, taxes, cell phones, and more–here are your highlights from this month’s School Board and budget meeting.

In Public Comment, Angie Trease gave a shout-out to school administrators and special thanks to Superintendent Jensen for more open dialogue and positive communication this year, noting that she appreciates his willingness to “work together” and “be a team” with parents.

On the building front, the new shop at the MHS is in the design phase, with all engineering details going to the architect this week. The existing shop will remain in use during the construction of the new facility. Meanwhile, the replacement of the small gym at MMS is wrapping up the design phase and finalizing bids. Once construction begins, there will be adjustments to facility use to accommodate demolition and building.

In budget and taxes, the Board voted to float down the tax rate again this year, which means many county residents will see lower real property taxes when notices arrive. The district is experiencing a population shift and enrollments are down at the elementary schools, leading to a decrease in funds from the State for the Weighted Pupil Unit. Additionally, the district experienced a decrease in “equalization” money from the State, based on last year’s increase in revenue from building and housing developments across the county–although, this year’s revenue from one key development is down. 

These factors have contributed to a budget shortfall that requires some adjustments. To make up the difference, the district will forgo cost-of-living salary increases this year and will reduce four certified positions by moving teachers into other positions vacated by personnel who have retired or left the district (attrition, not layoffs). While the district expects enrollment at the elementary level to continue to decline, overall reviews are expected to increase with the county-wide developments.

In other news, the Board approved the Sex Education and Maturation Policy and Instructional Materials for the upcoming year (no changes from last year) and the Cell Phone Policy (restricts phones during school hours at the elementary and middle schools and during classes at the high school). Complete policies are available via the district website.

The Board will meet again in August. In the meantime, we will be transitioning from Aspire to PowerSchool and Canvas district-wide as well as rolling out a new, user-friendly website. For more information, and tips to avoid summer learning loss, check out the Superintendent’s May Know Now.

Happy summer!