Indianola board approves May finances, schedules June 25 hearing on flex funds and OKs meal-price increases

The Indianola Community School District Board of Education approved May 2026 financial statements, set a special meeting and a public hearing for June 25 to consider potential transfers from restricted flex funds into the general fund, and approved modest increases to student meal prices for 2026–27.

Board member Ben moved to approve the May 2026 financials; Eric seconded and the board voted to approve the financials (motion carries, recorded as six in favor). A staff presenter explained that, under state legislation, some flex funds that have served their purpose can be reclassified and moved into the general fund; the board set a special meeting on Thursday, June 25 at 7 a.m. to consider those transfers and also set a public hearing for the same date and time so members of the public can comment.

On nutrition, district food-service staff recommended small, annual increases to align with reimbursement rates and maintain program stability. The board approved the recommendation to continue free elementary breakfast and to adopt the recommended rates: elementary lunch $3.40, secondary lunch about $3.50, elementary breakfast $2.20, secondary breakfast $2.25, adult lunch $5.15 and adult breakfast $2.55. The presenter noted the district has been increasing prices by roughly 10 cents annually to stay closer to reimbursable rates.

The board also advanced multiple policy items and routine operational purchases during the meeting; full details and recorded votes for other agenda items are below.

Votes at a glance - Approve May 2026 financials: motion by Ben Mezer; seconded by Eric Christensen; outcome: approved (recorded as 6 in favor). - Set special meeting to consider flex-fund transfers (June 25 at 7 a.m.): motion by Eric Christensen; outcome: approved (recorded as 6 in favor). - Set public hearing on flex-fund transfers (June 25 at 7 a.m.): motion seconded and approved (roll-call affirmation recorded; motion carries 6). - Approve meal prices and continuation of free elementary breakfast: motion by Eric Christensen; outcome: approved. - Approve second-reading policy updates and first readings where presented: motions carried (votes recorded as 5-0 in the transcript for the policy votes).

The board's next procedural step on the flex funds is the June 25 meeting, which includes a public hearing where members of the community can comment before any transfer is finalized.