Alma School District says $157,000 safety grant spent; board hears update on bonuses and calendar

The Alma School District board heard its superintendent's report Tuesday and was told the district has spent the roughly $157,000 safety grant the district received to improve campus security.

“We completed spending all of our $157,000 safety grant money,” said Mr. Biggs, who presented the superintendent's report on behalf of the absent superintendent, Doctor Wood. He said about $62,000 of the grant went to new fencing around tracks and other campus perimeters, and additional fencing around pre-kindergarten areas.

The district also discussed whether tornado-shelter doors or similar perimeter-security features could be included in next year’s grant application. Mr. Biggs said the district would submit the request and see if it falls within the grant’s allowable categories. “We turn it in and see what’s the answer,” he said.

Biggs told the board the district expects the safety grant program to continue but cautioned the availability of funds will depend on future appropriations. He also praised Ashley Russ, a district staff member, for work closing the fiscal year and preparing for the next school year.

On teacher bonuses, the board was told the district will distribute about $120,000 in state merit pay bonuses to eligible teachers by June 30. The district’s list of qualifying teachers rose from 22 last year to 33 this year; Biggs said the number and total amount depend on state appropriations and will vary annually.

The board set its December meeting for Dec. 4 and approved a motion to excuse non-superintendent staff from the July 10, 2025 meeting. Biggs said section 4 policy updates and student-policy changes will be available for 30-day review by the July meeting.

The meeting closed the superintendent’s-report segment with routine summer-preparation remarks about teacher training and maintenance work.