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Smithville R‑II board approves preliminary budget, policy updates and Mammoth playground contract; tables Insight Design agreement
Summary
The Smithville R‑II Board of Education approved the FY26 preliminary budget, several policy updates and a contract with Mammoth Sport Construction for elementary playgrounds, and voted to hold (table) the Insight Design contract for one month for further review.
The Smithville R‑II Board of Education on an evening meeting approved its FY26 preliminary budget, adopted multiple policy updates recommended by the Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA), authorized a Mammoth Sport Construction contract for elementary playground work, and voted to hold an Insight Design contract for one month to allow counsel and parties to finish negotiations.
The board’s approval of the FY26 preliminary budget came after staff presentations on anticipated revenues and reserves. District staff told trustees that the state’s foundation formula settled at $67.50 per student — roughly $10 less than an earlier projection — a change the district estimated would reduce revenue by under $30,000. Board members said the district remains fully funded and projected reserves would be in a healthy range under the preliminary plan.
Board members also moved to approve MSBA policy updates, including adjustments related to employee benefits and buyback provisions. The board approved a change to the district’s buyback policy that raises the top buyback percentage from 75% to 80%; staff estimated the immediate additional cost at under $25,000. Trustees discussed the fund-balance policy (policy DIA/DIAA) and directed the finance committee to review and recommend updates that reflect current practices and rating‑agency expectations.
On facilities and procurement, trustees approved a contract with Mammoth Sport Construction to proceed with design‑build work on elementary playground projects. District staff described a sequence of installations beginning with Eagle, then Horizon, then Maple elementary based on project scope and permitting; Mammoth’s turf product includes a 10‑year warranty. Separately, the board voted to table the Insight Design Studios contract for one month to allow the district and the firm's counsel to finish final negotiations.
The board also approved a Toshiba copier lease agreement and several routine financial motions including a fund 1 to fund 2 transfer and the FY25 third budget revision. Board members thanked staff for work on the budget and for maintaining medical and dental benefits for employees, an item leadership said both certified and classified employees had emphasized.
Votes at a glance - Adopt agenda: approved (motion and second recorded; roll-call tally not recorded in the transcript). - Approve consent agenda (minutes, contracts, personnel report): approved. - Approve MSBA policy updates (second of three readings referenced): approved. - FY26 calendar adjustment: approved. - Table Insight Design Studios contract (hold for one month): approved (item held). - Approve transfer from Fund 1 to Fund 2: approved. - FY25 third budget revision: approved. - Approve FY26 preliminary budget: approved. - Approve MSBA policy updates GCBDA/GDBDA (first and only reading noted): approved. - Approve Mammoth Sport Construction contract (elementary playgrounds): approved. - Approve Toshiba copier lease agreement: approved.
Board members and staff said the district will continue work on finalizing the FY26 budget as state numbers and local tax information firm up. The Insight Design Studios contract will return for board consideration next month after counsel and the district complete review.
