Kirkwood R‑VII board approves 2025–26 strategic plan and accepts July financial statements

The Kirkwood R‑VII Board of Education on Aug. 25 voted to approve the district's 2025–26 strategic plan and to accept the July 2025 financial statements, actions taken by voice vote during the regular board meeting.

The fiscal item, brought as agenda item 6.01, passed after a motion and second; board members voted to accept the district's July financial statements, which staff described as typical for the month. District staff said July revenues were just under $2.0 million, including a little over $200,000 in delinquent tax collections; the district reported a self‑funded insurance fund balance a little over $1.5 million and medical claims of just over $1.0 million. Staff also noted a large Title II‑A federal payment received in July represented late payment for prior-year services rather than new spending.

The board then took up and approved the 2025–26 strategic plan (agenda item 6.02). Dr. Bailey, who introduced the plan to the board, said the 2025–26 plan is intended as "a bit of a bridge year" between the current five‑year plan and work that will begin on a new plan for 2026–31. "We recognize this is a bit of a bridge year as we have the fifth and final year of the current plan, and actually begin tomorrow with the approval of the RFP... to move forward with writing the new plan," Dr. Bailey said.

Why it matters: The approved plan sets district priorities for the coming school year and informs budget, staffing and program decisions. Board members and staff framed the year as an opportunity to sharpen measurements and reporting ahead of the next strategic planning cycle.

Key elements summarized by district presenters

- Cohort‑based academic goals and PLCs: District administrators said where possible the plan's academic targets use cohort calculations…