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Board approves Clay County Children’s Fund agreement; trustees seek sustainability guidance
Summary
Trustees approved a two‑year grant agreement with the Clay County Children’s Fund that directs about $792,000 to district student-support work this cycle; board members urged transparency on sustainability and requested future briefings on program prioritization.
The Kearney School District Board of Education approved an agreement accepting Clay County Children’s Fund support for programs that expand behavioral health and student-support services.
During discussion, a trustee said the currently listed amount—about $792,000—was “alarming” because county sales tax revenue that funds the program can fluctuate, and the district must plan for sustainability if the money drops in later years. The presenter explained this award is the second year of a two‑year grant cycle and that staff build their grant applications and expenditures with careful prioritization and the ability to reassess as needed.
District staff told the board that the majority of the funds go to individual and group therapy, behavior intervention staff and direct student support. School principals described concrete benefits: a registered behavior technician working on daily schedules reduced behavior incidents in one elementary building, and a board-certified behavior analyst provided classroom‑usable behavior plans that decreased referrals and increased time students spent in general education settings.
A board member asked whether the district lists spending plans at a detailed level during the grant application; staff confirmed that the application includes line-item uses when requested and that this year the grant administrator provided an estimated award amount to guide budgeting. Trustees asked that future grant applications and awards be brought to the board earlier in the process so trustees have more context before accepting funds.
The motion to approve the agreement passed by voice vote. Staff said they would share additional information about use of funds, program impacts and how the district will prioritize services if future funds are reduced.
