Board approves FY26–27 budget on second reading, awards design contract and adopts $18.5M bond referendum question

The McCormick County School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved its FY26–27 budget on second reading and took three additional formal actions related to facilities and planning.

Miss Morgan, the district’s chief financial officer, presented the budget materials and told trustees the district has expended roughly $11.3 million this year and received about $9.7 million in revenue to date. The proposed FY26–27 operating budget was described at approximately $12.5 million; the presentation noted state increases to the teacher salary schedule (a $2,000 per‑cell increase and a beginning teacher salary listed at $50,500) and that the district will operate under a local millage reported around 154.6 mills. After brief questions about fund timing and the heavy share of payroll and benefits in the budget, a board member moved to approve the budget on second reading. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

On procurement, Mr. Woodhold reported a request for qualifications drew 23 inquiries and nine formal submissions; a four‑member committee scored proposals and McMillan, Pasden & Smith (referred to in the meeting as MPS) ranked highest. The board moved to award a contract to the firm pending the intent‑to‑award period; the motion passed.

The board also adopted a resolution authorizing a November ballot question that would empower the district to issue general‑obligation bonds not to exceed $18.5 million. The superintendent read the exact ballot wording into the record, which specifies bond proceeds would finance capital improvements at the McCormick County Educational Complex, including construction and equipping of an auditorium, new classroom and CTE space (band room, culinary arts room, welding room, cyber security room, art room, weight room), and other identified improvements. Outside counsel and staff clarified that, once the board adopts the resolution, state ethics rules restrict use of district resources for advocacy and that board members may speak as private individuals but not in their official capacity.

Procedural notes: the CFO said revenue projections from state and federal sources were steady; trustees asked administrators to confirm the county submission includes any contingency or carryover needed to fully balance projected FY27 expenditures. The board indicated county budget approval is the next procedural step.

The actions recorded in the meeting packet: approval of the FY26–27 budget on second reading; motion to award design professional contract to McMillan, Pasden & Smith (pending procurement timelines); and adoption of the bond referendum resolution authorizing the $18.5 million ballot question. Each item was presented and the motions carried by the board during the meeting.