Board approves certificated contracts for 2026–27 amid budget uncertainty, 4–1 vote

The Liberty Elementary District (4266) Board of Education voted 4–1 March 5 to approve issuance of certificated contracts for school year 2026–27, with grant-funded positions to be issued contingent on receipt of the grants.

Miss May, presenting the list of certificated employees, told the board that "grant-funded positions will be issued contingent upon the district being awarded the grant." Board members raised concerns about approving contracts before the budget is finalized; Member Zimmerman noted the board cut about $2,400,000 from the budget the prior year and said the current list felt critical to schools but also difficult to reconcile with an incomplete budget. Member Todd warned of the fiscal risk, saying, "we're cashing a check before we we're we're buying the boat before we got the commission check, and I think that's a dangerous dangerous situation to do." Administrators said average daily membership (ADM) was increasing slightly and that a fuller budget presentation is expected at the March 30 work-study session.

Board members discussed staffing realities, resignations and term contracts: administration reported at least one principal and one assistant principal had resigned and that a substantial number of term contracts had been issued in response to last year’s mass exits. Member Kenyon moved to approve issuance of certificated contracts; the motion was seconded and carried by a 4–1 vote. The transcript records the tally but does not attribute every individual yes/no vote to specific board-member names in the vote roll-call lines.

The board directed administration to bring the March 30 budget presentation with potential reductions and to highlight where the district would find funds if cuts are needed. The board also discussed prioritizing issuance of certain roles (principals, reading interventionists, special-services staff, psychologists) to avoid service gaps.