Ainsworth school board retreat recommends Budget Option 1, citing more than $374,000 tax reduction

The Board of Education of School District #10 met for a budget retreat on Aug. 25, 2025, at the district office and recommended that the superintendent present Budget Option 1 for formal consideration at the Sept. 8 hearings and meeting. The minutes say Option 1 would reduce the district's tax ask by more than $374,000 compared with the 2024-25 budget.

Board President Brad Wilkins called the retreat to order at 7:00 p.m. Board members listed as present were Frank Beel, Crystal Dailey, Bryan Doke, Jake Graff and Jessica Pozehl. The minutes note the superintendent and staff were also present; the document includes a signature line from Dedra Stoner, recording secretary.

District materials distributed in advance included documents on spending, taxes, revenue, procedures and the formal budget process. The superintendent reviewed the materials and presented four budget models for 2025-26; the board discussed the strategic direction, pros and cons of each model. The board set aside time for public comment on the budget, and the minutes report that no patrons attended to speak.

The retreat concluded with three budget goals the board set for 2025-26: align the budget with ongoing strategic planning work with NASB, maintain open and transparent budget practices through frequent reports and stakeholder engagement, and refine facility and transportation finance planning in alignment with a new strategic plan to be developed during the year.

Board President Wilkins adjourned the retreat at 8:28 p.m. The board's recommendation directs the superintendent to bring Budget Option 1 to the Sept. 8 hearings and meeting for formal consideration; the retreat minutes do not record a formal vote on the recommendation.

The next procedural step is the Sept. 8 public hearings and board meeting, where the board may vote to adopt a budget for 2025-26.