Board approves 2025–26 budget; district reports federal funds pause and bond sale proceeds available

The Lamar County School District board approved the 2025–26 budget and other routine financial items during the meeting. The board also approved the monthly financial report for May, transfers of sixteenth section funds to district maintenance for fiscal year 2025, and authorized advertising bids to upgrade security cameras.

District staff reported that a federal pause on Title II, III and IV funds will affect the district by roughly $767,000, most of which the district said covers personnel. Finance staff said they had planned contingencies to cover personnel costs for the coming year. Separately, district officials reported that bonds have been sold and that bond proceeds are 'in the bank,' and staff said they are awaiting the ability to obligate those funds for planned projects.

The board also discussed a proposed purchase of the Mary Jones property; a price of $78,333 and a reference to "30%" were stated in the discussion, and board members said they were seeking a buyer to move the house off the property. No final sale paperwork or vote on the property purchase was recorded in the public segments beyond discussion and motion actions recorded for consent items.

District staff gave other operational updates: the district reported five certified and two noncertified openings, a mentor teacher stipend added to the pay scale, and registration figures of more than 6,000 returning students and 995 new students. New teacher orientation and driver safety training were scheduled for the following day.