Phoenix-Talent board adopts 2025–26 budget, tax levy and multiple resolutions

The Phoenix-Talent School District Board of Directors adopted the district's fiscal 2025'26 budget, approved related appropriations and tax measures, and approved several contracts and fund actions at a regular meeting (date not specified). The board also approved a $1,500,000 transfer to a PERS-related reserve and ratified a four-year classified employee contract and school resource officer (SRO) agreements.

The budget and related resolutions provide the legal authority the district needs to spend and levy taxes for the coming year. School leaders said the actions reflect changes to PERS rates and other technical updates and that the board will continue work on calendar and staffing matters in coming weeks.

Major actions and outcomes

- Resolution 25-1: Adopted the 2025'26 budget as presented (approved by roll call; all voting members recorded "yes"). - Resolution 25-2: Made appropriations for the 2025'26 budget as presented (approved by roll call; all voting members recorded "yes"). - Resolution 25-3: Imposed the ad valorem tax rate as presented (approved by roll call; all voting members recorded "yes"). - Resolution 25-4: Categorized ad valorem taxes as presented (approved by roll call; all voting members recorded "yes"). - Resolution 25-5: Continued the internal service fund for 2025'26 as presented (approved by roll call; all voting members recorded "yes"). - Resolution 25-6: Authorized a $1,500,000 transfer to a PERS/EAF fund as presented (approved by roll call; all voting members recorded "yes"). - Classified contract (OSEA chapter 96, 2025'2029): Approved as presented; one board member abstained from the vote and others voted yes (contract approved). - SRO contracts (TMS and PHS): Ratified as presented (approved by roll call; all voting members recorded "yes"). - Resolution 24-12: Adopted a resolution recognizing outgoing board member Sarah Crawford (approved as presented).

Discussion and context

Board members and staff said the district benefited from lower PERS contribution rates, which the meeting record indicates reduced district costs by roughly $350,000 per year (board discussion stated savings of about $350,000 per year and a larger cumulative effect for the district over time). To build further stability, the board approved the one-time $1.5 million transfer to an external reserve for retirement liabilities.

Superintendent Berry (identified in the meeting as "Mister Berry") briefed the board on facilities work and said summer projects will continue despite the district nearing the end of bond funds. The board also discussed a proposed academic-calendar change to move the new-staff day to the Thursday before in-service week to enable participation in training; staff said the calendar change will be brought back as an action item on June 18 for formal adoption.

Board members noted that OSBA (Oregon School Boards Association) and regional advocacy work had resulted in a letter sent to Congressman (named in meeting as "Cliff Vince") asking for consideration of federal funding impacts on smaller districts; the district signed on to the letter.

Labor and contract items

The board approved a four-year classified staff agreement (OSEA chapter 96) covering 2025'2029 after bargaining. One board member abstained from that vote; meeting minutes indicate the abstention was due to a conflict of interest. The board also approved continuing SRO contracts for the middle and high schools.

What the board did not decide

No litigation or executive-session outcomes were recorded in the open session minutes for these items. Several administrative items discussed (calendar change and follow-up on facilities work) were described as coming back for action at future meetings.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-1 (adopt 2025'26 budget): approved, roll-call majority recorded all "yes." - Resolution 25-2 (make appropriations): approved, roll-call majority recorded all "yes." - Resolution 25-3 (impose ad valorem taxes): approved, roll-call majority recorded all "yes." - Resolution 25-4 (categorize taxes): approved, roll-call majority recorded all "yes." - Resolution 25-5 (continue internal service fund): approved, roll-call majority recorded all "yes." - Resolution 25-6 (authorize $1,500,000 transfer to PERS/EAF fund): approved, roll-call majority recorded all "yes." - OSEA chapter 96 classified contract (2025'2029): approved; one board member abstained; remaining votes recorded "yes." - SRO contracts (TMS and PHS): approved, roll-call recorded "yes." - Resolution 24-12 (recognition of Sarah Crawford): approved, roll-call recorded "yes."

Clarifying details and context captured at the meeting

- PERS rate change: Board discussion stated the rate change reduced district PERS costs by about $350,000 per year and had a larger multi-year impact. - One-time transfer: $1,500,000 authorized by resolution 25-6 to a PERS/EAF reserve fund. - Classified contract: Four-year OSEA chapter 96 contract (2025'2029) approved; a board member abstained due to personal impact. - Community care corner: District reported a $1,800 donation from the Bear Creek Valley Rotary to support diapers and wipes for families (mentioned in superintendent/staff reports). - Next meeting action: Calendar change (new-staff day) scheduled for formal action on June 18.

Ending

The board concluded the business portion of the meeting after adopting the budget and associated resolutions, approving labor and SRO contracts, and passing a resolution honoring outgoing board member Sarah Crawford.