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Board hears levy and bond timetable, forms capital-planning committee; asks for developer mitigation coordination
Summary
CFO and trustees discussed supplemental-levy timing, bond planning and outreach to developers for mitigation fees; board members agreed to serve as liaisons on development and mitigation matters and to form a capital planning committee.
CFO Brad Steblen briefed the board on the timing and sequencing the district should follow to avoid gaps in locally generated levy revenues and to plan for a future capital (bond) campaign. Trustees also discussed development mitigation requests and appointed board liaisons to coordinate with local governments and planning processes.
Levy timing and risk: Brad explained the last emergency levy certified by the county provides funds through calendar year 2025, and the supplemental levy approved in November (certified in the scheduling cycle) covers calendar years 2026 and 2027. He told the board the district should plan to put a new supplemental levy on the ballot by the end of calendar 2026 or early 2027 to avoid a funding gap after calendar 2027. He emphasized the timing difference between ballot date and when funds arrive at the district, noting a November vote pushes the certification and first funding distribution later than a May vote. Brad recommended the district avoid repeated reliance on the general fund to bridge levy gaps.
Bond and capital planning: Brad and trustees discussed the timing for a bond campaign and agreed an active capital-planning committee would be needed to evaluate facilities priorities, community appetite, and timelines. Trustees agreed at least one or two board members should serve on the committee. The board asked staff to recruit community members and to include prior volunteers and a list of interested survey respondents.
Development mitigation: Trustees discussed continued growth inside district boundaries and the use of mitigation fees from developers to offset school impacts. Trustees named JD and Michael to be board liaisons on city and county development discussions and asked staff to provide briefing letters on development applications in district boundaries. Trustees emphasized that mitigation discussions are case-by-case and that the district will press developers for partnership (mitigation fees or other supports) rather than simply oppose growth.
Next steps: Staff will form the capital planning committee and circulate an invitation; staff will coordinate with the board liaisons to monitor planning/zoning agendas and prepare standard letters and talking points for development hearings.
Ending: Trustees and staff noted the need to explain levy and bond distinctions publicly: levies fund operating expenses (staff, instruction) and bonds raise funds for facilities.
