In a recent government meeting, officials addressed concerns regarding the safety of school environments, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that classrooms are safe for both teachers and students. The discussion was sparked by feedback from community members, which suggested that the district was neglecting safety issues.

One official clarified that the district has already allocated $2.3 million from its fund balance to address various safety concerns, highlighting that these funds were used to rectify immediate issues that could compromise student safety. The official stressed that the priority remains on maintaining safe conditions for learning, stating, \"What we weigh every single decision on is, is it safe for kids and can they have school?\"

The conversation also touched on the complexities of school funding, with officials explaining that the district operates under strict fund accounting regulations. They clarified that the $65 million in funds cannot be easily reallocated to address operational and maintenance (O&M) needs without following specific procedures, including public hearings and resolutions.

Officials acknowledged the significant challenges faced by various schools, including Central Middle School, which experienced severe water damage during a recent freeze. They reiterated that while they are aware of the pressing issues at schools like South, Washington, and Perry, immediate fixes are not always feasible due to logistical and financial constraints.

The meeting underscored the district's ongoing efforts to prioritize safety and maintain operational integrity in schools, despite the financial and structural challenges they face.