Board approves sick‑leave payout program, service contracts, SRO memorandum and other operational items

At its meeting the Warren County Public Schools School Board approved several operational items and budgetary measures the board said are intended to support instruction and operations in the coming school year.

Sick‑leave payout incentive program: The board approved continuing a sick‑leave payout incentive program for fiscal year 2025–26. District staff reported that for the most recent completed year 127 employees qualified for the payout, 86 elected to participate, and the division ultimately paid $22,850.50. Staff said up to 190 employees could qualify under current eligibility rules; if all 190 participated at the full payout rate staff estimated a potential fiscal impact of about $154,350 (staff characterized that figure as a maximum and said actual cost likely will be lower). The board approved the policy and directed staff to provide final fiscal numbers in September and mid‑ and end‑year reviews if the program continues.

Service contracts: The board approved renewal or replacement service contracts for elevators, dumpsters, pest control, LP‑gas and security/monitoring for the 2025–26 school year (contracts effective 07/01/2025–06/30/2026). Staff reported a 64% increase in the elevator service bid (the lowest responsive bid), a 25.75% increase in security and monitoring costs, no change in dumpster and pest control costs, and an approximate $40,000 decrease in projected propane costs compared with the prior year; staff noted propane pricing varies with market conditions.

School resource officer MOU: The board gave final approval to a memorandum of understanding with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office governing school resource officers (SROs). During the third reading staff asked the board to remove a provision requiring ballistic shields to be stored in biometric safes because the shields would not physically fit; the board approved the MOU with that edit. The MOU requires secure storage for firearms and certain issued equipment and calls for secure SRO offices and cameras outside SRO offices.

Agriculture course fees: The board approved an increase to high school agriculture course fees. The current fee of $15 per student per year will be split into two clusters: one cluster will increase to $20 and another to $25. Staff said fee waivers or other arrangements will be available in cases of demonstrated financial hardship.

School Improvement Grant appropriation: The board authorized the interim superintendent to request an additional appropriation of $91,991.42 from the Warren County Board of Supervisors to complete the transfer of a School Improvement Grant totaling $193,795.84. Staff said the funds support multiple schools and that most remaining FY‑26 funds will support two elementary schools.

Policy services contract: The board contracted with the School Board Member Alliance (SBMA) for policy services at an annual cost of $2,900 for the period 06/01/2025–05/31/2026; staff confirmed SBMA provides monthly policy updates and access to an attorney for code questions.

Community participation and reports: A community participant announced the district’s third annual Community Fun Day on Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the stadium and described activities and partner organizations. Interim Superintendent Dr. David Martin gave a brief introductory report describing upcoming administrative academy dates, summer feeding program statistics and open staffing positions; administrators and board members also discussed beginning budget conversations and health insurance contributions for employees.

All motions referenced above were approved by the board at the meeting.