Board approves personnel recommendations after executive session; superintendent and finance staff outline 2026-27 budget approach

The board moved into executive session to consider personnel recommendations and, upon returning to open session, a board member moved to accept the administration's recommended hires and resignations; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

"Madam chair, I'd like to make a motion to accept the administration's recommendations for hiring and resignations for personnel," an unidentified board member said; the board voted in favor.

On budgeting, Superintendent Anderson and finance staff said they have begun preparing the 2026-27 budget, are moving toward a zero-based budgeting approach and will bring two or three budget options for the board to review. Finance staff asked principals to provide prioritized "wish lists" of urgent needs so the district can align limited revenue with strategic priorities rather than rely on year-to-year transfers. The administrators said they plan two budget work sessions (one in April, one the week before the May board meeting) and will post a budget calendar at the January board meeting.

Finance staff described the goal of asking principals to specify planned expenditures for the coming year to reduce mid-year transfers and unknown spending. They also noted available training resources on the state education website ("finance boot camp") and said they would provide clearer materials on procurement timelines and funding source abbreviations for board members.

No millage changes or final budget decisions were made at the retreat; the presentations were positioned as preparatory steps toward spring work sessions when board direction will be requested.