Board unanimously approves midyear budget revision, two academic calendars; accepts resignation and appoints replacement

The Elizabeth School District Board of Education voted unanimously at its Jan. 13 meeting to approve several formal actions, including a 2024–25 midyear budget revision, two proposed academic calendars and the acceptance of a board resignation followed by the appointment of a replacement.

The board approved the 2024–25 midyear budget revision, which reflects lower-than-expected enrollment and adjustments intended to preserve fund balance. The amendment trims some department spending, increases salary lines to reflect actual payroll and benefit-cost increases, and “trues up” food-service and grant funds based on actual receipts. The board’s motion passed by roll call: Directors Callahan, Olsen/Olson, Powell and Waller all voted aye.

Board members also voted to adopt modifications to the 2025–26 district calendar that add one student day (converting a teacher work day) and rearrange the high school finals week so finals run Monday through Thursday. The change is intended to add instructional time and give the high school a continuous finals week instead of splitting sessions across a weekend. The motion passed unanimously.

The board approved the 2026–27 proposed district calendar, which includes grade-specific start days (sixth- and ninth-graders on Aug. 13, 2026) and a full final day (with a parent calendar notation about a partial day for some grade-level orientations). Directors unanimously approved the calendar as presented.

The board accepted the resignation of Heather Booth, effective Jan. 13, 2025, and declared the seat vacant under state law. As stated in the resolution read at the meeting, interested candidates were invited to submit letters of interest by Jan. 24, 2025; to be eligible, a candidate must have been a registered elector in the Elizabeth School District for at least 12 consecutive months and must not have been convicted of an enumerated offense against a child. The board voted to accept the resignation and declare the vacancy by roll call (Callahan, Olsen/Olson, Powell and Waller: aye).

Following the vacancy declaration, the board considered four applications and moved to appoint David Fletcher to fill the seat until the November 2025 regular election. Directors said Fletcher had attended board coffees and meetings, expressed alignment with the board’s instructional priorities and demonstrated community engagement. The appointment passed by roll call (Callahan, Olsen/Olson, Powell and Waller: aye).

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Jan. 13, 2025 meeting minutes: approved by roll call (Callahan, Olsen/Olson, Powell, Waller — all aye). - Approval of consent items: approved by roll call (Callahan, Olsen/Olson, Powell, Waller — all aye). - Acceptance of 2024–25 midyear budget revision (amendment reflects lower enrollment, benefit-cost increases, grant adjustments, trued-up food-service fund): approved by roll call (all aye). - Adoption of 2025–26 district calendar changes (adds one student day; adjusts high school finals week): approved by roll call (all aye). - Adoption of 2026–27 proposed district calendar: approved by roll call (all aye). - Acceptance of resignation of Heather Booth and declaration of vacancy (appointment to be by board within 60 days per state law): approved by roll call (all aye). - Appointment of David Fletcher to fill the board vacancy until November 2025 election: approved by roll call (all aye).

Several motions included brief discussion and clarifications about calendar half-day notations on the parent calendar and possible future budget modifications if the state increases per-pupil revenue. No motion failed or was tabled.

Ending

The board said it will swear in the appointed member, David Fletcher, at the Feb. 10, 2025 meeting and continue to monitor revenue and enrollment trends that could prompt another budget revision.