Schuyler board adopts 2025-26 budget, approves CKLA pilot, surpluses two buses and updates evaluations

The Schuyler Community Schools Board of Education on Sept. 9 approved the districts 2025-26 budget and related tax request, and took several accompanying actions including authorizing instructional materials for a K-5 CKLA pilot and ordering two older buses to be surplused. The board voted on each item by roll call; motions passed with affirmative votes recorded for each listed motion.

Why it matters: The approved tax request and budget set the districts spending and revenue plan for the coming year and include continuing efforts to bolster cash reserves and limit borrowing. The CKLA pilot and revised evaluation procedures signal priorities for curriculum alignment and how the district will monitor classroom instruction.

Board actions at a glance - Adopted 2025-26 budget and tax request: Administration presented a proposed tax request of $19,625,164 and a total budget increase of roughly 4% for 2025-26; a motion to adopt the budget passed on roll call. - Approved purchase of CKLA pilot materials for grades K-5: The board approved a motion to buy pilot materials for CKLA (Amplify) to be used in a pilot; administration said PD and ESU supports will accompany the pilot. - Recognized Schuyler Community Schools Education Association as exclusive bargaining representative: The board voted to recognize the districts education association as the negotiating body for the next contract cycle. - Surplused two buses for sale: The administration recommended surplus of a 2009 Thomas Saf-T-Liner (bus #701) and a 2012 International vehicle due to frequent maintenance issues; proceeds would return to the districts depreciation fund. - Approved changes to the certified-staff evaluation handbook: The board approved proposed edits that move tenured staff to a three-year summative cycle while increasing routine unannounced walkthroughs.

What administrators told the board Presenter (S2) summarized the budget and tax request, saying the district has reduced monthly expenditures roughly $150,000 and aims to grow cash reserves so it does not need to borrow. "We started with 600,000 in cash reserve and gained about 2.5 million," S2 said, adding that the goal is to add another half-million this budget year. On the CKLA pilot, the administration said the district will compare pilot-classroom MAP and early-literacy results to classrooms that continue using WONDERS and provide on-site training and ESU support.

Votes and procedural notes Motions were moved and seconded during the meeting; the chair called roll for each substantive vote and recorded affirmative responses. Where a member named their vote on the record they were recorded as voting "Yes." The administration noted some actions (evaluation changes) may require state review and will be adjusted if necessary.

Next steps The district will implement the pilot and monitoring plan described by administrators, proceed with surplusing procedures for the two buses (with the option to delay sale while activities continue), and submit the certified evaluation changes to the state as required. The board returns to regular business at its next scheduled meeting.