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Clarkston trustees debate draft core values as board advances 2026–27 budget planning
Summary
Board members discussed a draft set of seven core values and spent significant time on scope and wording while also reviewing an affordability model intended to reduce the 2026–27 planned deficit by about $1.5 million and delay some technology implementation; trustees requested more edits and details before final adoption.
Trustees in the Clarkston Community School District devoted substantial discussion to two interconnected items: a board affordability model for the 2026–27 budget and a newly drafted set of district core values.
Budget discussion: Finance and district leaders presented a board affordability model and recommended moves to reduce the current-year deficit and limit 2026–27 shortfalls. Presenters said the plan aims to reduce the projected deficit by just under $1.5 million next year and to move toward a zero-based budget over two to three years. Board members and staff described adjustments that informed the plan, including updated open-enrollment revenue projections and a decision to postpone one year the planned world-language technology implementation because recent positive buoyancy from open enrollment reduced near-term revenue pressure. Trustees generally expressed support and emphasized close monitoring of outcomes as the plan is implemented.
Core-values discussion: The board reviewed a draft list of seven core values (presented language included "students first always; genuine relationships; positive by design; integrity always; purpose driven; continuous improvement; think critically, act on evidence"). Several trustees criticized the draft as too long and "cold," noted the plus/minus legend for non-negotiable versus balanced items was confusing, and suggested combining items (for example, "purpose driven" and "continuous improvement"), reducing the number of core values to a shorter set for external messaging and adding a discrete line to reflect academics or academic excellence. Trustees said the draft should be refined with more concise, memorable phrasing for hiring and marketing uses and that they would provide written feedback before finalization.
Representative comments and exchanges - Mr. Ne asked how the increase in specialized open enrollment was projected; staff said projections were conservative and based on new enrollment patterns and program expansion. - Several trustees (including Mr. Hyer and Mrs. McGinness) said the draft values read as overly detailed and preferred a smaller set of clear, memorable values for public-facing materials.
Next steps Staff will incorporate board feedback into the affordability model and draft budget and will circulate an updated core-values document for further comment. The board scheduled follow-up discussions and expected a final budget approval in June.
