Bolivar R‑I board approves architect agreement, adopts policy updates and reviews facilities and budget outlook

At its January meeting the Bolivar R‑I School Board approved an architecture services agreement for the agriculture building project, adopted a set of MSBA policy updates and heard several facilities and finance updates from staff.

Architecture agreement and policies The board voted to approve an agreement for architectural services with SAP Design Associates Architects for ongoing work on the ag building; the board record shows the motion carried after a motion and second (Drew moved; Brad seconded). The board also approved a package of MSBA policy updates after a motion and a second (second by Jill); the motion carried.

Consent agenda and adjournment Earlier in the meeting the board approved the consent agenda by voice vote (the motion was moved and seconded and the chair announced “motion carries”). The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn was carried.

Facilities updates District staff said work on the BHS auditorium repair is wrapping up: sheetrock damage has been replaced and repainted and the district is awaiting new auditorium carpet and aisle lighting. The large greenhouse adjacent to the agricultural building is scheduled to be reskinned next week as part of an insurance claim repair. Board members said final playground designs are in progress with installation targeted in July and that the Liberator Park restroom project will be procured via an RFP using a design‑build method this month.

The district said planning work for an ECLC expansion is moving forward with Paragon; administrators said they have been coordinating with OTC and the state Office of Administration and that legal counsel for both sides has been finalizing agreement language.

Finance and enrollment Chelsea Aberdand, district finance staff, presented two budget views (including and excluding fund 4/bond‑related items) and said administrators will begin budget conference meetings to plan for FY 2026. Board discussion and administration comments acknowledged the district is projecting a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar gap in coming years; staff said expenses currently exceed revenue by close to $2,000,000 and that administrative teams are discussing mitigations. Aberdand and other administrators said they will continue scenario planning and monitor local, county, state and federal revenue trends.

Enrollment figures referenced at the meeting: kindergarten enrollment was described as sitting at about 200 students district‑wide for the cohort; prekindergarten enrollment was cited at 165 students.