Brian Wallace, the district’s chief financial officer, gave the board a monthly financial update Tuesday: expenditures were consistent with prior months, dominated by salaries and benefits at roughly $3.5 million per month, while the revenue side showed some timing changes as levy collections and categorical state literacy dollars posted in December.

Why it matters: The report frames the district’s near‑term fiscal picture and outlines potential state changes that could affect funding assumptions for next year’s budget.

Wallace said the district is tracking well on expenditures and expected to report updated state revenue numbers in March, when first‑run state allocations arrive. He summarized several legislative proposals under discussion in the governor’s state proposals that could affect district funding, including a proposed 5% increase in the state staff funding formulas (career ladder funding), a proposed roughly 10% increase in the health‑benefits funding unit and a proposed statewide $50 million private school choice program through tax credits; he cautioned that legislative outcomes are uncertain and that precise impacts to the district will be clearer after official state allocations.

Wallace also described a proposed new $3 million statewide fund to cover extraordinary costs for special‑needs students; the district would apply for those dollars as needed, he said.

Superintendent Craig Meyer reported administrative items including the district’s newly hired campus security officer (CSO) who will be assigned to Southside, Sagle, Farragut (Farm and Stidwell in transcript), and Lake Pend Oreille High School. Meyer said the board met and approved the hire last month and introduced the CSO to the public report.

Meyer also described the district’s focus on student connection and said Sandpoint Middle School reported an increase in the district’s “one trusted adult” metric; he reminded the board that middle-school populations are more transient and that gains are notable given student turnover. Meyer highlighted a planned Student Safety Summit on March 18 that will focus on social media, phone usage and adolescent anxiety; the event is intended for parents and the community.

The superintendent offered several community‑engagement examples, including internships at Clark Fork High School and a district office holiday food‑bank drive the HR team led that raised over $250 for the local food bank. He reiterated district priorities of student well‑being, quality staff and community connections.

Ending: Wallace will return with March revenue reports and budget projections after state allocations are finalized; the superintendent said staff will continue planning the March safety summit and implementation of related policies.