Keystone Oaks board approves 2025–26 calendar, second-reading policies and several agreements

The Keystone Oaks School District board approved the 2025–26 school calendar and a bundle of routine policy and contract items during its regular meeting.

Dr. Straubman presented the superintendent’s recommendations, saying the 2025–26 calendar “is pretty straightforward” and mirrors the current school year with only minor adjustments, including an added day-and-a-half at the end-of-year Christmas break. The superintendent explained that several calendar entries were included to align with future teacher contract negotiations and to reflect a recent change in state rules about minimum instructional days.

The board approved the second reading of policies 6.10 and 6.11 without substantive debate. The board also approved a professional development request for Mr. Richard Smith.

In contract items, the board approved an amendment to the Education Institute agreement between Maxim Healthcare Services and the district and approved a dual-enrollment agreement update that reflects an increase of $5 for a 3- or 4-credit college/high-school course; the superintendent said there were no other changes to the agreement.

The superintendent also noted that an acting interim state Secretary of Education took effect at noon that day; the meeting referenced the official by name as Dr. Carrie Rupp (the speaker later pronounced the surname as "Rowe"). The speaker said the interim will still undergo the state confirmation process.

All items were adopted by motion and vote. No special contingencies or budget reassignments were noted in the discussion.