Board reviews 2025–26 budget calendar and facilities updates; maintenance staffing gaps noted

Finance staff presented the proposed 2025–26 budget calendar, walked the board through required public‑hearing dates and readings, and described the district’s major funds (general, special revenue, debt service, school building and food service). Staff emphasized best practices—planning early after the audit, monitoring fund balance, and coordinating with county officials—and requested each board member submit three budget priorities for consideration.

A board member flagged an incorrect date in the calendar; staff corrected the typo in real time and confirmed the intended hearing/readings schedule. Finance staff told the board that current expenditures are above the ideal percentage for this point in the fiscal year and again requested priorities and outreach for budget preparation.

Facilities staff provided a maintenance update: Hoffman Mechanical confirmed parts for the Wallace project were expected by Feb. 7 and installation would begin when the vendor schedules factory startup. Maintenance staff also noted two gym HVAC units require replacement and that the maintenance department is thinly staffed—often one electrician or plumber covering multiple schools. "We need additional electricians and plumbers," the maintenance supervisor said, asking the board to consider staffing additions in the coming budget cycle and to explore career‑technical partnerships to build local capacity.

Board members acknowledged the needs and directed staff to include maintenance staffing and capital needs in budget discussions and to return with cost estimates as part of the scheduled budget workshops.