Board approves funding for Capital Reserve No. 3 after debate over alternatives

The Board of Education voted to fund Capital Reserve No. 3, approving the measure by a 7–2 count after a discussion about alternatives for the district's year-end fund balance. The motion to approve funding was moved by Jim and seconded by Brent Bridal; the board chair announced the motion passed 7–2.

The vote follows a detailed debate about whether the district should allocate the surplus to capital reserves or retain some of it to offset future program costs or to return to taxpayers. Board member Christian said he would vote against the resolution, arguing "my preference would be... to keep that money, and use it to return it to the taxpayers," and raising concerns about committing all excess balance to capital spending. Christian also said he would "probably be voting against this resolution" because he preferred to hold funds for potential program…