Lamoni board approves five-year financial plan, $72,478 At-Risk allocation and sets PPEL renewal election

Lamoni Community School District board members met Jan. 12, 2022 in Lamoni and approved a package of budget and policy measures, including a five-year financial projection, an At Risk/Drop-Out Prevention allocation for FY23 totaling $72,478 (with a required 25 percent local match of $24,159) and a September 13, 2022 election date to renew the Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL).

The board approved the comprehensive five-year financial projection after discussing enrollment trends, spending authority, the district solvency ratio, the district property tax rate and levels of unspent authorized budget. Director Kris Stevenson moved approval of the projection; Director Zack Mullins seconded, and the motion carried unanimously among the members present.

Directors also approved the district's proposed budget narrative and related fiscal exhibits — including enrollment information, financial highlights and a budget-reduction exhibit — for submission to the School Budget Review Committee. Director Zack Mullins moved that item; Director Kris Stevenson seconded. The board approved the FY23 At Risk/Drop-Out Prevention Modified Supplemental Amount of $72,478 and acknowledged the required local match of $24,159 (motion by Director Kris Stevenson, second by Director Zack Mullins).

On the PPEL renewal, the board set Sept. 13, 2022 as the election date for the voted levy that supports technology, transportation and facilities work; board members noted the renewal would not increase property taxes. Director Kris Stevenson moved to set the date; Director Kathy Lerma-DeNuccio seconded and the motion passed unanimously among present members.

The board reviewed — as a discussion item only — the district's Return to Learn plan and newly revised isolation guidelines for staff and students; no action was required. The district referenced CDC guidance and maintains a COVID-19 dashboard and related materials on its website.

Board members continued review of facility planning materials, discussing a previously shared financial-capacity summary prepared by Matt Gillaspie of Piper Sandler, which included consideration of ESSER III funds, a facilities needs assessment and a potential master facility plan. The board also noted the Instructional Support Levy has been renewed through June 2027.

The board approved the second reading of the board policy 200 series, including revisions to policies 200.1, 210.8 and 212, and adding a new policy 212.1 (motion by Director Kathy Lerma-DeNuccio, second by Director Kris Stevenson). The first draft of the 2022–23 school-year calendar was shared for staff and community review; the board expects to approve a final calendar at its March 2022 meeting.

A joint session with the Central Decatur Board of Education is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2022 at 7:15 p.m.; the next regular Lamoni board meeting is Feb. 9, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. The board adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Actions recorded at the meeting will be included in the district’s minutes and the budget narrative submitted to the School Budget Review Committee.