Board approves Head Start items, maintenance plan and budget recommendations
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Summary
The board approved several Head Start motions (grant, five‑year goals, cost allocation and CESA 9 training), a five‑year maintenance plan and recommended budget reductions while noting required layoff‑notice steps; consent agenda items and an anonymous $3,000 food‑service donation were also approved.
The Merrill Area School District board approved a package of Head Start items for 2026–27, including the federal Head Start grant, a five‑year strategic goals document, the 2026–27 Head Start cost allocation plan, and a CESA 9 training and technical assistance plan after motions and voice votes. Administrators reported that the Pine River School for Young Learners completed a Head Start audit successfully.
Separately, the board approved a CESA 9 shared services contract for 2026–27 with a projected cost of $331,918; administrators said some components of that contract are lower than the prior year due to reductions in instructional coaching and staff development costs. The board also approved a five‑year maintenance plan including summer projects and a coaches' compensation plan; administrators noted they will review participation numbers for athletics before final staffing decisions.
On budget planning, the board approved recommendations to develop budget reductions totaling approximately $2.5 million for 2026–27, allowing for modifications up to the point of adoption. Administration emphasized the need to follow statutory requirements for preliminary layoff notices and said staff will be informed in advance as planning continues.
The board accepted an anonymous $3,000 cash donation to food service to assist families in need; the amount exceeded the district policy threshold for consent items and therefore was acted on separately. The consent agenda — which included policy approvals, minutes, claims/vouchers totaling $3,459,480.08 and personnel items — was approved with three abstentions noted on the Feb. 24 meeting minutes.
The board concluded by scheduling future committee meetings and moved to adjourn into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes §19.85 for consideration of personnel and student‑privacy matters.
