Board approves two‑year calendars, budget timeline, personnel hires, policy fee increases and land purchase

The Lincoln County Board of Education approved a package of routine and substantive business items at its January meeting, including calendars, budget timelines, personnel actions, policy changes and a land purchase.

Calendars: Trustees approved a two‑year school calendar covering 2025–26 and 2026–27 to help families plan; the 2025–26 year will begin in July (motion by Mr Daniel; second; unanimous).

Budget calendar: The board accepted a FY26 budget development calendar with principal master schedules due Jan. 28 and the goal of approving the final budget by the June board meeting and setting millage in August or September.

Enrollment and policy: The board approved a non‑resident enrollment request for a 10th grader and approved revisions to a board policy raising hourly employee fees (examples: custodial from $20 to $25; nutrition from $20 to $30; technician fee to $35; administrative fee to $50).

Personnel, donation and land purchase: After executive session trustees accepted the retirement of Miss Tanya Bert (effective May 31, 2025) and approved hires (Miss Eva Speed as substitute teacher; Fanda Shanks to custodial staff; Floyd Turner as substitute bus driver). The board accepted a $5,000 donation for an elementary assistant and approved purchasing 60 acres across from the school with $100,000 earnest, $90,000 due in 90 days and the remainder in 14 months.

Votes on routine items were generally unanimous. Board members asked staff to refine budget timing and to publish hearing and budget calendar dates for public review.