Fayetteville City Board approves absorption of 5% insurance increase, several policies on first reading and proclaims bus driver appreciation day

The Fayetteville City Board of Education voted on a series of routine and personnel measures at its September meeting, including a decision to absorb a 5% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026 so employees’ rates will not rise this year. The board also approved several policy changes on first reading, accepted a staff resignation and unanimously passed a resolution declaring Sept. 11, 2025, as Bus Driver Appreciation Day.

The most consequential personnel decision was a motion — recommended by the board chair — that Fayetteville City Schools cover the full 5% increase in the district’s health insurance premium for 2026 so employees would not see higher premiums. The board voted in favor by voice. The chair presented the recommendation during the finance committee discussion and moved the item for full-board approval.

The board took voice votes to approve the following actions (all outcomes recorded as passed in the meeting): - Approve agenda for the September meeting (voice vote). - Approve draft minutes of the August board meeting (voice vote). - Approve August disbursements (voice vote). - Absorb a 5% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026 so employee rates will not increase this year (motion moved by the chair; voice vote). - Approve Policy 5.305 (family and medical leave) on first reading (voice vote). - Approve Policy 4.21 (credit recovery) on first reading (voice vote). - Approve Policy 2.806 (bids and quotations) on first reading (voice vote). - Approve Policy 6.312 (use of personal communication and electronic devices) on first reading (voice vote). - Accept the resignation of Amanda Moses, a longtime teacher whose resignation the board approved by voice vote. - Approve a resolution proclaiming Sept. 11, 2025, as Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Fayetteville City Schools (voice vote).

Most motions were routine and passed by voice vote with no roll-call tallies recorded in the transcript. Where specific movers or seconders were not recorded in the minutes excerpt, the meeting used the board’s standard motion/second/voice-vote procedure.

Board members and staff emphasized the rationale for several items. On the insurance item, the chair said absorbing the increase would keep employee costs stable for the coming year and that the finance committee recommended the move. The board also noted that the district would continue to monitor legislative changes that affect local policy, referencing recent state action when discussing the revisions to the district’s device-use policy.

The board accepted the resignation of Amanda Moses, who a board speaker described as a staff member who began work with the district in 2001 and who is leaving for a position closer to home. The board offered thanks for her years of service.

The resolution honoring bus drivers highlighted the district’s transportation workforce, noting drivers’ daily role greeting students and helping ensure safe arrival and dismissal. The board proclaimed Sept. 11, 2025, Bus Driver Appreciation Day and encouraged students, staff and families to join in recognizing drivers’ service.

The board set a tentative plan to move the regular October meeting from Oct. 6 to Oct. 13 and said it would publish official notice. No formal vote on the date change was recorded in the provided excerpt.

Votes at a glance reflect actions as recorded in the meeting transcript; specific roll-call tallies and mover/second names were not given in the excerpt provided.

The board adjourned after routine business and reports.