Director’s report: district enrollment at 4,689; staffing growth, HVAC repairs, air‑quality testing and summer school plans discussed

District leadership updated the board on enrollment, staffing, facilities and summer programming during the director’s report.

Enrollment and staffing: The district reported current enrollment of 4,689 students and said the FY26 staffing plan includes 13 new classroom growth positions (one each at Castle Heights, Coles Ferry, Sam Houston, Walter J. Baird, Byers Dowdy and other allocations including three additional positions at Jones Brummett, a special education position, and three contingency growth positions to remain vacant unless needed). Staff said the 13 positions are classroom growth roles and will depend on final budget approval.

Facilities and air quality: Staff reported a failed HVAC train unit at Walter J. Baird had been operating at half capacity but is now restored to full capacity after repairs. The district also contracted an air‑quality vendor (referred to in the packet) to perform air monitoring at a selected building and is awaiting that report; staff said they will rotate testing across campuses.

Transportation and drivers: Transportation staff said they are running an active bus driver recruitment and training program with 10 participants (seven district staff and three community members). One trainee has completed permit and ELDT training and is in behind‑the‑wheel trainer sessions; staff are seeking state testing dates to certify new drivers. Officials said recruiting and training aim to reduce late buses and eliminate the historical “wait list” by converting to A/B routed services.

Summer school and instructional updates: Teaching and learning staff reported summer school preparations and student screening. The district said a statewide‑approved screener (AIMSweb) was completed and that 511 students had registered for summer school so far; staff estimated up to 350 third graders could attend summer programming and noted staff and bus driver assignments for the program. Staff said 38 teachers, 95 total staff and 65 certified teachers are expected to work summer school. The district reported the waiver for summer programs had been approved and that detailed plans will be submitted to the state department for funding approval.

Budget notes: Staff provided a high‑level revenue and expenditure summary and said the district plans a balanced budget and historically contributes to fund balance; staff asked board members to review the budget binder and submit questions. Staff noted some apparent variances in the program budget tool (for example, health services and instructional materials) reflect carryovers or timing of Chromebook orders rather than year‑end overspending.

Staff said they are pursuing additional funding and financing options for capital projects with firms experienced in school district finance and will continue to share findings with the board.