District reports improved cash flow, BEST grant scheduling and plans for principal hiring and attendance policy review

Finance staff told the board on April 13 that March tax receipts improved district cash balances, with the presenter noting roughly $8 million in March tax receipts and current cash balances reported in the meeting materials. The speaker said April tax numbers were expected the following day and that two payments are typically received in May.

Jason briefed the board on the district's BEST grant status: the district's application has been accepted and is scheduled for a presentation to the BEST board on May 12; the district will prepare representatives from the district and RTA to present. He noted the Joint Budget Committee considered cutting BEST funds but ultimately left the program's allocation largely intact, keeping an approximate total BEST pool near $200 million.

On personnel, Jason said the district has posted principal and assistant principal positions and expects to begin interviews in early May; finalist selection will involve the hiring supervisor and the superintendent, and staff will solicit volunteers for interview committees from school staff.

District staff also said they plan a policy overhaul to address chronic absenteeism, noting high absenteeism rates at the high school and considering whether to require an attendance percentage to receive credit. Staff will engage high school staff and the district accountability committee to craft fair standards and expect to present draft policy changes to the board in May.

No formal votes on the budget, BEST grant, hiring or attendance policy were recorded in the transcript.