West Central Schools board approves preliminary 2026–27 budget, personnel hires and routine contracts

The West Central Schools board on Tuesday approved a preliminary 2026–27 budget and a package of personnel moves, contracts and donations after hearing a finance update that flagged projected deficits across multiple funds.

Tanya, a district staff member who presented the business report, told the board that the general fund had collected about $10.5 million against a roughly $12.22 million budget (about 85.5% collected) through May 31 and that overall revenue and expenditure percentages were close to last year’s levels. "Everything looks good," she said while noting that changes to state formulas and rising benefits costs were compressing some revenues.

The finance presentation cited specific pressures: an estimated enrollment of about 695 students (a decline of roughly 10 students from the prior year), a compensatory-formula change that cut compensatory revenue by roughly $146,000, a net $60,000 decrease in general-ed aid, and increases in health insurance costs (about 11.5%). Tanya warned that food service and community education funds were projected to run deficits absent adjustments.

Board members discussed options for balancing the budget, including targeted reductions, using restricted reserve accounts where allowable, and the timing of cash investments. The board also reviewed historically directed fund transfers into community education and noted that one vehicle purchase had not yet been transferred from a bus fund account; board discussion placed the bus fund balance at roughly $550,000 before that transfer.

After discussion the board voted to approve the preliminary 2026–27 budget. The board was briefed that formal adoption and further refinements would follow as auditors close the year and the finance committee examines fund balance designations.

In other business the board approved a series of routine motions and contracts:

• Payment of claims: The board approved the month’s claims, which included two payrolls and payments for library books, Cisco services, gym-floor refinishing, cooperative membership dues and some grant-funded student mileage payments. Mr. Porter, a district staff member, said, "credit card fees continue to be high," citing processing fees for camp registrations.

• Personnel: The board accepted resignations from Haley Wolfer (school counselor) and Rebecca Holland (head girls basketball coach) and approved hires including Sarah Bremer, Tiffany Olsen and Nicole White (paraprofessionals). The board also approved the hire of Heather Westby as an administrative assistant at North Elementary.

• Contracts and procurement: The board approved a two-year propane supply quote with Olsson Oil at the recommended rate (corrected to cover the 2026–28 heating seasons), a two-year Palmer Transportation agreement with a 3% increase, and disposition of obsolete equipment to be listed for sale or disposal.

• Personnel/administration: The board approved an interim superintendent contract for Mr. Keap and designated him as the district’s identified official with authority.

• Employee benefits: The board approved a memorandum of understanding for nine-month employees to address Affordable Care Act affordability thresholds for a small affected group, including interim coverage to avoid potential IRS penalties.

• Donations: The board accepted $270.55 in donations from community donors; the resolution passed by roll call with affirmative votes recorded.

• Election schedule: The board set the affidavit filing period for school board candidates from July 14–28, 2026, with filings to occur in the district office and a $2 filing fee.

The meeting closed after routine consent items and a motion to adjourn. The board indicated further budget work will continue through the finance committee and at subsequent meetings, with formal budget adoption to follow audit completion.