001[music] Hey, hey, hey. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> He [music] [music] buy [music] meat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] N. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music]
002>> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey, [music] hey, [music] hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Do [music] you do it? Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] This is the main [music] process. [music] >> [music] [music] >> the the funding that schools will receive will be mostly flat to what they received this year. As many of you know, um the funding of the state adequacy target. The state adequacy target this year was funded at about $7,145 a student, but the actual paid out amount over the course of the
003year was around $6,900. That was due to funding through the lottery and um Prop C coming in short. And so there was not enough cash to provide districts the funding they needed. And that funding level is roughly what we'll see next year, maybe a little bit lower um in the foundation formula due to that $190 million shortfall. You know, I will continue to to caution that the fiscal outlook for the state is rocky for the next year. um revenues for the current fiscal year are are coming in about what about what was estimated, but that's still about a 2% decrease over the pre previous fiscal year. So, um you know, I encourage you to you know, pay attention to any messaging Linda Quinley puts out and um you know, be be budgeting responsibly to make
004sure that um we have what we need to support our students in the classroom. Caitlyn also has an update on the A throughF rating system for schools. >> Another piece of legislation that didn't pass, but we're going to get the policy anyway is A to F. As you might remember, the governor said that he wanted an A to F rating system for school districts and school buildings. And he established it through executive order in his state of the state speech in January. Um and the legislature had throughout the year been working on a legislative version of ADAF that would have superseded the executive order. Um but ultimately that piece of legislation got wrapped up into the deal um that involved the charter schools and uh some other education policies and no A to F legislation
005was passed. So that doesn't mean that it's not coming. It just means that we will be getting it through executive order. We have not seen regulations yet from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which is what will be required before it can be implemented. So, um, it will not be implemented for the coming school year. It would not be ready to go until school year beginning in 2027. >> To see Caitlyn's full summary of the session, check out the extended edition of this month's board report on the MSBA website or MSBA's YouTube channel. The extended edition also covers topics from the session such as charter expansion, moving schoolboard elections, and much more. MSBA's legislative positions on state and federal education issues are determined by the delegate assembly that will be meeting this coming October.
006If your school board has a position statement on an issue that you would like to submit to the advocacy committee for consideration, you can do so this summer. The advocacy committee reviews those proposals and makes recommendations to the delegate assembly that determines MSBA's positions on issues. And make your plans now to attend the 2026 MSBA annual conference in cooperation with the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the Missouri Association of School Business Officials to be held October 22nd through the 24th in Kansas City. The event will once again feature outstanding general session speakers along with a wide variety of concurrent sessions, many presented by school leaders from districts throughout the state. Registration information for the conference will be posted on the MSBA website soon. And finally, congratulations to all of the regional winners of MSBA's
007future builder student scholarships. And congratulations to Luke Wolf of the School of the Oage who is also the statewide winner. All of the students essays are on the MSBA website. These outstanding students truly exemplify the amazing teaching and learning happening in every corner of the state. That's it for this month. Thanks so much for allowing us to have some time at your board meeting and we'll see you in July for the next MSBA board report. Please remember our meeting norms. We'll call to order in the pledge of allegiance. Under the provision of the public meeting law of state of Missouri, the board must adopt a roll call vote an agenda that includes the time, date, place, and tentative agenda for the meeting. A copy of the notice and agenda for the meeting was posted on
008Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at the administration center, 8855 Dun Road, Hazlewood, Missouri, online and sent to local newspaper. Recommendation to adop to adopt the agenda as posted. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Call for the vote. >> Thurman, >> yes. P Walker. >> Yes. >> Graves. >> Yes. >> Is Mr. Tyson? >> Yes. >> Is Dr. Martin or Miss Manory on Zoom? >> I don't think so. >> Okay. >> And also just want to make a note that uh director or secretary Jamal Bailey, uh Vivian Mansery, and Kevin Martin will not be in attendance tonight. public public moment of recognition. The for the Ferguson Ferguson Board of Ed School District acknowledges with deep respect the passing of valued employees during a school year. We honor their service, dedication, and lasting impact they've made on our
009students, colleagues, and stu school community. Our thoughts are with these families, friends, and all those who were touched by their lives. and we extend our sincere condolences during this difficult time. Uh this is an opportunity for you to submit those names and tonight we did not have any any names but if you know of anyone that uh passes away uh that we need to know about please let the board know or let administration know. Uh, moving on to public comments. Pursuant to policy BDDH-1, public participation at board meetings, the board allocates a portion of each meeting to allow stakeholders the opportunity to comment on agenda items. The board president will read aloud comments that have been submitted in advance. All written comments will be included in board material for this evening and may be viewed
010under public comments. The board may limit the number of comments read aloud based on length of repetition. The total time allocated in public comments in-person public comments shall not exceed 30 minutes. Before the the public comments period begins, each person participates are asked to complete a comment card including their name, address, phone number, email address, and the topic to be discussed. Speakers will allow three minutes to present their remarks. Individuals wishing to address the board are asked to speak from the podium identifying themselves and in keeping with policy BDDH-1 person in personnel law refrain from making any personal identifiable and negative comments about individuals. While the board will not directly respond to speakers during the public comment period, the board president may provide brief clarification clarifying remarks at the end of each session to correct
011misstate any misstatement in effect. Following the meeting, Dr. Dr. Fields will confer with the leadership team in the Ferguson for Florison School District and probably assign a school staff member to respond to public comments. If a response is not received within five business days, please contact Dr. Fields directly. And just a quick note again, one of the items that's on the agenda tonight is addressing this particular policy. If you all know last um board meeting, we did not allow any comments that it that was not agenda related items. We're going to stick to that policy tonight, but the board will be discussing either re revising that policy and or doing something different for public comments. So, if you do have a public comment tonight and it is not related to the agenda item in following
012pro policy, we cannot allow you to speak that comment. But again, tonight the board is going to be discussing this policy and possibly revising that policy so that we can allow comments for stakeholders to speak um for public comments because again as the board policy is ours and we must be the first to follow the policies that we set. Okay. Do we have any comments outside of this one? And I do regret that this particular comment that I have is not on uh regarding the the agenda. So we can't speak on that. I have no email policy >> comments. >> Somebody's all right. >> Okay. And someone will be getting in touch with you. Okay. All right. Thank you. student representative is the next section, but she is not here tonight. So, we're going to
013ask if FFNA has any comments. All right. Good evening. In reviewing the proposed revisions to policy GCBDA regarding professional staff short-term leaves, the union the union noticed the proposal would increase vacation benefits for 12-month professional staff and administrators from 10 vacation days to 20 vacation days annually with expanded car carryover and acrruel limits. During recent negotiations with employee groups, the board and administration expressed concerns about the financial impact of adding even one additional personal leave day for bargaining unit employees. Given that context, the FFNA members would appreciate clarification on a few points. Has the district conducted a physical impact analysis on this proposed increase for administrators and 12-month professional staff? What funding source or budget adjustments are anticipated to support the additional leave liability and operational coverage associated with these expanded benefits? How does the
014administration reconcile the position taken during negotiations regarding the cost of employee leave increases with the significantly larger increase now being proposed for administrative personnel? Was the change recommended as part of a broader retention or compensation strategy for administrators? And if so, has a comparable analysis been conducted for other employee groups? The FFNA believes it is important for the board and community to understand the rationale, consistency, and financial implications behind compensation and leave decisions across all employee groups. Additionally, the union is seeking clarification regarding the rationale for the job description request for a proposal known as a RFP. What factors prompted the insure the issuance of this RFP? Is the intent to review and rewrite all current job descriptions or only selected positions? Is this initiative being undertaken in response to organizational changes, restructuring, evolving operational
015needs, outdated job descriptions, compliance concerns, or other identified risk? What specific objectives does the board hope to achieve through the use of an external consultant or vendor for this work? Given the job descriptions have historically been developed and maintained by the chief human rescess officer, what is the justification for incurring the additional financial costs associated with the RFP? What is the anticipated scope of the pro of the project, excuse me, including the number of positions to be reviewed in the estimated budget going forward? How often does the human resource department predict comprehensive reviews or rewriting of job descriptions? What processes will be used to involve employees, supervisors, and the union in reviewing and validating any proposed revisions to job descriptions? as well as how will the board of education in ensure that any changes to
016job descriptions do not inadvertently alter bargaining unit work compos compensation structures classifications or terms and conditions of employment without appropriate consultation. So thank you for listening to our concerns of the union and our members and we are looking forward to receiving answers to our questions >> and at this time Dr. Fields does have um some statements to make as far as miss clarifying some facts. >> Good evening and thank you so much for um not only your comments um Miss Bell, but the work that you do as U president um FFNA. We really appreciate it. Just a few things that I have and I don't want to necessarily wait. Although I will have HR um be in touch to echo this. It is my understanding that the district went through a comprehensive um response to
017the prior board policies and now we have MSBA policies. And so in that work that was a collaborative process between the um administration as well as the union and again this would have taken place last school year. There have been a few policies that were not necessarily updated as part of that work. And so at this regard, you're absolutely right that we're looking at all budget implications for everything. We would not authorize 10 additional days for um the administration. I wouldn't even bring that to the board given our financial space. What was what occurred was that the policy said one thing where 12-month employees had 10 days and they actually have 20 days. So this update was to get the policy back in alignment with my understanding not only u past practice but also past
018implications for whatever documents we were using. And so I do want to um it's our job to be um extra clear with communication. And again that is uh appreciative that you bring this to us. There have been no additional compensation days for 12-month employees. The policy is in alignment with our practice and everything that we do. And I thank President Tyson for speaking to this where is their responsibility to make sure that they are modeling utilization of the policy. So I do want to be clear in that regard. The second element with respect to the RFPs and I'll have HR um be in touch and respond to you formally um in theory the human resources office would have kept up to speed with um our job descriptions but um stated modestly we do have some
019work to do with our job descriptions. they are um not up todate, many of which have compliance questions and that's going to lead to some other issues. Um when we start having conversations about staff in a lot of regards um also as it relates to um accommodations etc. we have to go to that job description and if that job description is not up to date then we have an issue. So you asked the question or you the comment um that you represent and again thank you for your leadership. That comment is more so for us to look at all job descriptions to make sure all are accurate. Now in the spirit of being uh collaborative as part of that process there's something called a JAQ which is a job questionnaire essentially and it provides the
020employee an opportunity to be able to give feedback the supervisor look over them. One of the things I've stated since being in this role, we want to do less things to people and more things with people and this would be an extension um for that. So again, it's our job to be um clear and I appreciate you bringing that up even with respect to something formal. I will make sure HR is in touch not only with respect to this um former item which is the um actual RFP but the later album um item which um responds to the question there have been no additional compensation days in the form of vacation days to 12-month employees. So again thank you for that and it's our job to be clear. >> All right and at this time
021we're having superintendent update. >> Thank you so much President Tyson. Um good evening community, colleagues, students, etc. I um have the pleasure of bringing up Miss Holman to share celebrations and recognitions before I move forward with the third floor forward update for this evening. >> All right. Good evening board members, Superintendent Dr. Fields, and members of our community. Thank you for giving us a few moments this evening to share some of the district's celebrations and recognitions. We would like to recognize congratulations to Bermuda Primary second grade teacher Rachel Frank and Ferguson Middle 7th grade ELA teacher Christopher Shade on successfully completing the instructional excellence fellowship through Teach for America. As part of this year-long professional learning experience, both educators presented their final portfolios, highlighting how the fellowship strengthened their instructional practices, increased student engagement, and
022deepen their commitment to equitable excellenced driven teaching. Their continued growth and student success reflects the highquality teaching taking place across not only in their individual schools, but across the district. So, congratulations to both Rachel and Chris. Next, we would like to recognize Ferguson Middle 7th grade teacher Joshua Ree on successfully completing the Aspiring School Leaders Fellowship through Teach for America. As part of this leadership development program, Mr. Ree presented his fellowship portfolio, showcasing his work toward educational equity and student achievement. His focus reflects the talent that's being developed not only in his school, but across the district. So, congratulations to Josh Ree. Congratulations to Steam Academy High School uh student Jayla Moore on advancing to the National Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase in New York City this November. Jayla earned topped honors at the Midwest Youth Entrepreneurship
023Showcase for her business concept called Mindset. It's a storytelling platform designed to help young people build resilience through connection and shared experiences. As one of the Midwest's top young entrepreneurs, she will now represent Steam High, the Ferguson Flores School District, and the Midwest region across the national stage. We are so proud of Jayla's leadership and making a positive impact on the lives of others. And last, but certainly not least, the Ferguson Human Rights Commission is honored to award the Youth Advocate of the Year Award to our very own Gianna Simpson Johnson. And I believe Gianna is here with family. If you just want to stand up and raise your hand. [applause] Gianna was nominated by the ELA and social studies departments at Steam High. She is a 2026 graduate. Gianna was an active member of
024the Steam High community since her time as a freshman there. Gianna treated all students and faculty members with the humanity and dignity that they deserve along with helping to build programs at Steam High with the performing arts department. She worked on a fashion show for the Black History Month program focusing on black dandism which was the Met Gala theme for 2024. In addition to her work with the Black Student Association, Giana exemplifies the core values of the HRC and will continue to do so in her postsecary education at St. Louis Community College in Forest Park, while she will study funeral service educations. Congratulations to Gianna. [applause] Thank you. And this concludes our celebrations and recognitions of the great things. Yes. Yep. >> [applause] >> Good evening, community, colleagues, board of education. Um, I am going
025to provide our third floor forward update for the month of June. And so if you're just joining us for the first time, third floor forward is a commitment to immediate strategic steps that I will lead to help our district overcome current and existing challenges while simultaneously making sure that all learners graduate believing that anything is possible and prepared to realize those possibilities. those three goal areas for um third floor forward was to create a new future together, expand community partnerships with intentionality and maximize every resource for learning. And so today I want to focus on two quick updates. One of which is for Proposition S. Um thank you again to the community um for your support in Proposition S. And what we plan on doing is making sure that we give timely updates with respect
026to the passing of Proposition S. And so as it relates to a draft um implementation timeline, you will see to the left of your screen at the top there's a spring and summer 2026. This is when the planning, the bidding, the salary review, the position analysis, and the implementation design um gets a chance to get started. Now, as I direct your attention to the bottom, the planning piece is critical right now because the funds do not begin arriving immediately. And so, um, just to shore up any question whatsoever, the passing of Proposition S on April the 7th, funds do not arrive the next day. It's not until taxes, um, began to roll in, and that is um, predicted to be or anticipated to be as early as January as 2027. For the fall, we're going
027to finalize the priorities, align recommendations with budget planning, and prepare for the roll out in January. Prop S revenues are expected to begin arriving. And then in 2027 and beyond, phased implementation, monitoring, public updates, as well as adjustments as needed. Now, as we talk about Proposition S, if the question were, well, Dr. fields. How much do we anticipate Proposition S rendering for the Ferguson Florison School District? And what you'll see on the screen, there's something called the collection rate. Um, no school district, to my knowledge, will have 100% of a collection rate or people paying their taxes, businesses, etc. And so if we were to have a 90% collection rate, it is expected that Prop S will bring in an estimated $6.55 million. And you'll see that as we progress to the 98%. Um I
028wish we had it down to a science. When I first started, I saw something with a 89% um collection rate, although I do not believe that took into account delinquencies, but I believe we can estimate. I like to take the average or the median. And so we're looking at right around between um 6.7 million and about 6.85 is where I feel some level of comfort as we plan out for those funds. Now I wish that this was the only slide. However, this is an important piece that I want to make sure I bring up. And so I've had an opportunity to have conversations with a number of individuals. I'm looking forward to continuous conversations with President Bell because we are no different than school districts all across the state of Missouri. And what you'll see
029is the state funding context. Um for those of us that are not as familiar, um school districts are funded with both local funds. Again, that's Proposition S. You will have federal funds, although we don't have ESSER funds anymore, but that will constitute for the ESSER funds. And then you have state funds. And in this particular instance, you have the funding formula that we see. Well, as alluded to in the actual MSBA update, thank you for technology for working hard and ensuring that we get the video up. There was made mentioning of a shortfall and that shortfall is estimated to be about $362 million. And so essentially when you think about the Prop C funds from a state standpoint from gambling and all of that, those funds did not come in in terms of what was
030expected. And so statewide, you're looking at that. You're also looking at $190 million as it relates to the foundation for formula shortfall. And so the takeaway is that the local implementation planning must account for state aid uncertainty. What I anticipate is that we may get a record number of school districts, not only in the St. Louis region, but across the state of Missouri, that will go out for some type of ballot measure due to two things. One of which being a senior tax freeze and the second of which being the decline in terms of anticipate state aid formula funds. Now, what you will see in the middle is that the Ferguson Florison School District, we are projected a formula loss um of a decent amount. The SAT, which is the state adequacy target, it was
031um stated that it would be 7,45 and it's a compulated complicated formula, but they do have implications for our students. Well, when you think about all of the decline, that's going to have an immediate impact on the budget. So in the lower portion although we went out for a 48 C tax increase we won't see 48 cents necessarily because while we have the 48 cents and again thank you to the voters you will see that the equivalent of for Ferguson Florison would be about 17.5 um4 um cents and so two ways of looking at it you can say okay well we were anticipating the 48 cents based out of a $100 of assessed valuation and we would have been good. However, you have to also look at it as that 48 cent now you have
032to subtract in theory the 17 and a half cents because again that has an implication on our funds. The last piece that I will bring to your attention is the planning implication on the bottom right screen in the light um green color. you will see that the um projected prop s a um annual revenue is estimated anywhere between 6.55 million and 7.14 million based again on the collection rate. However, you will see that the projected state formula loss is about 2.33 million or $3.85 million. And so when we talk about watching every single penny and putting our um district in the best possible position to be successful, um I'm looking forward for us joining arms and having conversations with our elected officials as well as the state legislators as it relates to adequately funding public
033education. And so again, we have the local piece and we're so appreciative for our community. Um, we have the federal piece, although we don't have ESSER funds any longer. And now you have the state funding not being what it has been in the past. And so, we will continue to have conversations about this, but all of this plays a part in the fiscal health of the school district. I will continue to provide updates u with respect to Proposition S, but I wanted to make sure this is very important that we are aware of these funds. Now, I will give an update with respect to restructuring. Um, the board of education, again, thank you again for um approving the proposal as it relates to the 2728 school year. Our elementary schools, again, not 2627, but the
0342728 school year. Our elementary schools um will be K5, middle school 68, Central Primary will close, K Valley Elementary will open. Griffith Intermediate will become our restoration and wellness location. Bermuda Primary becomes one of two preK programming locations. Restoration and Wellness becomes two of two preK programming locations. Berkeley Intermediate becomes a middle school. Johnson Wall Bash 6th grade center becomes a K5 Elementary School. Wedgewood sixth grade center becomes a K8 traditional school. And so while we are excited about the start of the 2627 school year and I want to reassure not only the board of education but our community, we are focused on 2627 school year. We're excited. We hope to see you on August the 1st for the back to school bash at Mccclure South Berkeley. However, as soon as we start, we have
035to continue with preparation for 2728. As we continue to make decisions and before I give you a breakdown of where we are with the timeline, understand that as we are looking at a number of factors, including based off of the work with our demographer, we are projected to lose 355 residential students in the next 5 years. Those assumptions are based off of the mid series. Um now if in fact um folks begin to continue to move into our fully accredited school district then we will see that the decline of enrollment um is not happening at the level that would have been anticipated. If we just look at the last two years and don't pay attention to the last five years that's when we get the snapshot and then let's just say enrollment accelerated um at
036a high level then that is where you would see the green. And so we are making some assumptions based off of a number of things, but the planning is based off of that mid series. But we will constantly update and look at these pieces. I would be remiss if I don't have an opportunity to share with the community. Please, please, please make sure you register your scholars. Make sure if you don't have any um students in the district, you share the information with your neighbors. We want to make sure as many people register for school as possible because that's going to help us and we know the fantastic job our staff will do once students are in the class. I will round out today's conversation before I turn it over to President Tyson for any
037questions to let you know this is the draft implementation timeline. And so the spring and the summer of 2026, we will continue to review all facilities within the context of the board approved 2027 2028 planning and projecting building needs including staffing. The summer as well as the fall of 2026, there will be a survey for staff for building assignment. the winter of 2026. We will finalize the 2728 school year staffing and school assignments according to board policy, certifications, and considering survey results. Again, those surveys will be for staff taking into account a number of things. Spring of 2027, we plan to have open houses and applicable meetings, families, communication for everyone so that we are crystal clear on the plan and implementation. Excuse me. Fall of 2027, we will implement again the August 2027 to
038be specific, implement the board approved restructure and then an ongoing matter that I alluded to, we will make necessary student centered adjustments. Again, assumptions are what the is are the best thing we can do with respect to our actual enrollment. There is no way of really knowing. However, we are tasked with making adjustments based off the actual enrollment. And so with that, we have a lot of discussions. I see members here from staff and the community that have joined the advisory group. Thank you so much for being part of the advisory group. If I can give my best recruitment pitch, we absolutely need you and we would love for you to be part of the advisory group where we have a plethora of conversations and when we think about next year, implementation for restructuring will
039be one of many things that we will discuss. And so if you're considering or if you know someone, we're going to meet on the dates that are listed on your screen and we will certainly welcome each and every one of you with open arms. And so with that, again, we really do appreciate you all being here and your support. I'll turn it over to President Tyson for any questions. >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Fields. Any questions for >> Dr. Fields? I just have a clarifying statement to clear ask you to clarify. Can you go back to the slide with the 17 cent >> just to clarify that 17 cent is being subtracted from the 49 cent to cover this shortfall. I think that's one way of looking at it and thank you so much
040for bringing this um back. What it's essentially showing is that the state shortfall is the equivalent of a 17.5 cent um adjustment to the levy. That's what it's trying to clarify. >> Great question. >> Make sure everybody saw that. >> Absolutely. >> Any other questions, board? >> Thank you, Dr. Ph. >> Thank you. Uh superintendent. She did that. Right now we have consent agenda. The items listed under consent agenda have undergone board subcommittee review. Documentation concerning these items have been provided to all board members in the public in advance to assure a thorough review. The consent agenda is voted upon entirely. Any board member may have may ask to have an item any item on the consent agenda removed to be voted on separately. >> The recommendation to consent agenda as president. Uh approve recommendation
041to consent agenda. >> I would like to pull something. Yes, ma'am. From the agenda item Q, the Aramark food contract renewal. All right. Okay, item Q is being removed for discussion. Um, do I have a recommendation or to approve the considered agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? Oh, call for a vote. Yes. >> Yes. >> P Walker. >> Yes. >> Dr. Thurman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Tyson. >> Yes. >> All right. So, item Q was pulled from the consent. Let's um talk. >> Okay. I I just have a question about the uh airmark contract and maybe I missed missed our conversation, but did we not say that we were going to discuss this as a board as to if we were going to renew that contract? >> Any clarification?
042>> Dr. Thurman. Um [clears throat and cough] I do not doubt that that might have happened, but if you can provide some clarification because it seems like if we were questioning whether or not we were going to renew, there must have been something happening around that time. So, can you clarify or kind of bring to our remembrance? >> Well, that's the reason I'm bringing it up is because we did have some discussion around it and said that we really wanted to talk a little bit more about uh the contract with them if we were going to renew that one or go to another contract. Do you recall the performance concerns? I know that there there were at some point there were some concerns about like the kids complaining about the quality of the food, not
043having enough food at certain schools. >> Um that kind of So you you're talking about that conversation? >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Thank you. >> So would this be a matter that we discuss uh or put put on the agenda for discussion at a later time? That's what I'm asking. >> Yes. >> My question, do we have time though and is this contract needed as of like yesterday? >> I thought they had another year. >> I'll yield over. Great questions and thank you uh former Madame President for um the question. I'm going to yield over to uh Mr. Chance um to provide any um clarifying information with respect to the actual contract terms. >> Sure. So with a food service contract, it's one of the few that Desi oversees. Um it is essentially
044a fiveyear document. So the first year is the initial contract. Uh the four following years are an amendment renewal to that contract. So this particular amendment that you have on the agenda tonight is the fourth amendment which is the fifth year of the food service contract. So um right now um you are asking if we have time. We really don't. There's a a long process that's involved with an RFP for food service management company and um with the new uh fiscal year coming up in just a few weeks um we would not have um anybody in place at that particular time to move forward. >> Okay. Uh I'm wondering if the if the board would consider um simply just because of what Mr. Chance just stated that we might approve the contract for for one
045year and then require some sort of incre in increased monitoring or oversight or something that gives us feedback about how it's going. So maybe we have more information when it's time to uh vote again. So if I if I just interject for a second, um this is the final year. >> So we will be doing necessarily an RFP this coming spring. >> And that's what we that's kind of what I wanted I wanted to understand where we are with this contract and how it how it rolls. And so this this gives me more information and um so yeah, I'm ready to to to go ahead and vote with that. >> Vote on it, >> Mr. Chance. And this may need to go over to U. Priscilla. >> Ideally, when will a RFP go out? Because
046if we know in the ideal sense when that will occur, we can gather all the information and provide the board with that information so that we can make a better decision. >> Usually, it'll be the spring, but I think they would have a better idea exactly when. >> Sure. Thank you so much for this. Um normally in the past I've been here for almost 27 years and we ideal time is really in February I started because it's a long process because we have to put it up the RFP for two weeks as a public and then after that we have to have um the interview we have to visit different company who's putting in the RFP for us for the bidding. Yeah. So it's February is really the best time for us. So we have
047a lot of time to go different places have the interview going with different company that we chose. Usually we have two people as the last candidates and then um after that we can bringing it to the board to be approved by May because it will be starting in July. So that way we have plenty of time for both company the current company or the new company that is going to come over. So it's not a rush. um several years it has been very rushed >> and and as an extension of that U Priscilla thank you for that given how the shift will occur for 2728 do you have any hesitation for starting that um as way earlier almost like February is the latest do you have any um concerns with starting that process in November
048if not December >> I think February is a very good time because we can't do earlier than that they will not be able to take over in July by I know it's going to be a hectic time for everybody since we're going to change the structuring in the district itself. If there is any changes, it is going to be a chaos but you know we it happened in the past and we handle it and it will happen again it will be okay. Um, [clears throat] Priscilla, I was going to ask if you could, it might just be for my benefit, but can you explain um the the role that Aromark plays? Are they are they just provide, you know, preparing food and bringing it or or are they serving it like um what is the
049kind of explain what their role is? >> Okay, so Aramark is only three four. It's four of them that in the office. So, they're managing the food. They purchase the food for us. They purchase some of the small wares, some of the items, the equipment itself. We the district is paying directly. All the staff at the school is belong to the school district. So, they're managing. We give them all the direction what they need to do. We understand this year has been a very tough year. There is a lot of staff that is not in place and we have the shorter staff right now on this school year. So, it's pretty tough. We hope that we can have more people that will be coming our way and we even working with some of the agency
050with us to help us out otherwise we will not make it all this school year and we were hoping to do a little bit better to have more staffing on board with us. >> Okay, I asked that question. It actually came out of a comment that Dr. graves kind of made under her breath at the beginning of all of this, but just kind of wanting to figure out how to tease out what part of this is on Arrow Mark as far as the concerns that students may express about their experience with dining and all of that and how much of that might be something as a district that we have to absorb and and figure out. Maybe it's staffing, maybe it's training, um maybe it's conversations about customer service or something like that, but wouldn't
051want Aromark to be blamed for that if indeed it's more something we need to manage in-house. So I just wanted to put that out there. >> So we do Aramark provide a lot of um material for us on a weekly basis. There is a material to teach our staffing how to do customer service, safety, all kind of stuff every week and we record it every week. The manager responsibility is to talk to all the staff, all the material with them. It's pretty simple. They read on the email is already spit it out for them. And we are struggling working with our employees. Sometime we have a lot of new manager that because of shortness we have to just grab somebody and say hey I need you to come over here to help us to be
052a manager. So it is have a lot of factor and that it's not just Aramark. I think Aromark is doing a great job with the menu. When there is some problem we asked them to have the student to have more menu. We have spoke with Mccclure Mccclure Berkeley um Mccclure North Holair with the student councils and they told us what they liked what they didn't like and I have you know Todd Horseski come with me and we talk about it and he make changes right away and sometime like you mentioned about shortness in the meal there's not enough food for everybody We always tell people make meals as much as you can because we got plenty of food that we can offer this student. We want every student from the beginning of the line until
053the end of the line all of them has to be offered the same items. If we have waste, we have waste. It's okay because we want student to have all these option and that's our goal for everybody for every school and we make a lot of changes whatever whatever student tell us whatever the managers heard from the student what they like what they do not like we listen to them we make changes on that >> all right thank you >> you're welcome >> and just for my clarification what we're approving tonight is the fifth year of their contract so If Mark wants to submit it in the RVP H. Okay. Great. >> All right. So, we good? >> Yes. >> All right. Awesome. >> Thank you. >> So, now we need to vote. >> All
054right. So, recommendation to approve now error mark a part of the consent agenda. >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I I. >> Any oppose? My eyes have it. And next we'll have dispersements. Dr. Chance, Mr. Chance. All right. Good evening, Board of Education, Dr. Fields, administration, and community members. Tonight I will be presenting the dispersement report for the month of April 2026. The mission of the Ferguson Florescent School District is to provide highquality instruction to every student in every neighborhood while prioritizing equity and compassionate relationships. The vision of Bergs and Florent School District is for all learners to graduate believing that anything is possible and prepared to realize those possibilities. For the month of April 2026, payroll is 8,49,443. Operational dispersements 6,212,47. Total monthly expense is 14,261,850. These are the descriptions of
055the four funds used in the budgeting process. Total revenues for the month of April are uh current revenues are $127,397,369 which represents 84% of the overall budget. This graph shows the actual revenue as compared to the budget by fund. Total expenditures for April year-to- date 116,124,552 available budget 41,219,143 which represents 73.8% of the overall budget. This graph compares the budget by fund, the actual expenditures to date, and the available budget. These are the descriptions of the six object categories used in the budgetary process. Salaries for the month of April. Year-to- date expense 61,488,232. Available budget is 27,927,119 for 69% of the budget used. Benefits year-to date 22,28,919,000 or $919 with an available budget of $8,556,478 or 72% of the budget. purchase services year-to- date 17,23,994. The available budget is uh negative1 million1,179,652 that is due
056mainly um regarding the um contracted pupil transportation like McKenna Vento and Foster. Plus, as I mentioned last month, there was also uh bills that were incurred for SSD in June of 2025 that weren't paid until uh July of 2025. So, it crossed over fiscal years. That was to the amount of about $423,000. The supplies year to date 8,25,91 available budget $753,299 for a percentage used of 91%. Capital outlay year-to date 2,396,435. available budget. It's $2,674,65 for an amount of 47% used. And the long and short-term debt year-to- date expense is 5,160,911. Available budget is $2,487,994 with 67% of budget use. through April. Tax dispersements are running ahead of last year by approximately $2 million. And that is dispersements for the month of February, sorry, month of April. >> Thank you, Dr. Chance. Uh motion to
057approve uh expenditures for the month. Second. >> All in favor? discussion. >> Oh, your question. >> I do have a question. >> Yes, ma'am. as we look at each one of the um budget items and the percentage that we spent uh up till April. So, we have we're are we have quite a bit of money left over, but we want to make I want to make sure that people understand that that's probably going to be used up by the end of June. Is that >> you are you are correct. >> Okay. Because it looks good. It looks like we're we're doing really very well in in our spending, but we still got some some bills that we need to do. >> You're very correct. Yes. And also with salaries and benefits, there are >> three
058um payrolls that go into the month of June. So even though it looks like it might be low, um those will be like you mentioned that will be paid by the end of uh the fiscal year. But we're doing pretty good comparatively speaking when I think about last year. >> Correct. >> Um the other question to the McKenna Vento part. >> I know that we that really um impacted our our our budget for purchase of service. >> That is correct. >> Um but do are we going to recoup some of that money? >> Yes, we do have revenue coming in on the other side. >> Understand that too. I do have to give kudos to support services for really diving in and looking at those invoiced amounts that we were not collecting before. And we
059had talked about that last month that there are some legal issues involved as well. And we are in the midst of recouping those amounts and getting those invoices paid to the district. I know that it probably looks um pretty grim to the uh community when they see that we're we're um deficit. We're in the deficit of our what 1.7 million. Is that what it was? >> Purchase services. >> Yep. For purchase of service. But just want to make sure that they understand that we can recoup some of that. >> Oh, sure. >> And Okay. Well, and as an overall uh budget, we're we're in fine shape, even though those particular line items are over. >> It doesn't sound like we're in fine shape with purchase of service, but but we are. Correct. But we're overall.
060Okay. >> Yeah. >> And um just to add on to that because I was going to ask about McKenna Vento too. um just because of where we've been um over the last year or two, I think it's important to note that that deficit does not exist because of any mismanagement. >> That that's not something uh that is related to how funds were managed. And so if you could explain a little bit more about what McKenna Vento funds are used for and how how that how we got to this place. >> Sure. So we, if I'm stating it correctly, we have really the highest amount of students that are transferred through McKenna Vento and Foster than any other St. Louis County school district. Therefore, we are actually paying out more than what we are bringing in
061by invoicing for the same services to other districts. And plus, this particular budget line item did not account for all of the expenditures that we are incurring currently. So that's that's how we're we are where we are right now. And I would probably just maybe add making sure people know that McKenna Vento is a federal law that says that students who um lose their housing still have a right to go to school either in the school community where they lost housing or the place where they are currently residing and we don't have a choice about that. We have to participate in the system. Uh we have to transport those children back and forth. All the school districts do and then the school district then there's a responsibility on the part of other school districts who
062reimburse us for what we have spent and that reimbursement is not happening in the way that it should but we are aggressively pursuing these folks. >> You are correct. It is it's it's kind of a tangled web because you've got many districts that you have to send out invoicing for and you are also receiving a lot of invoices from other school districts. So there is uh there are people within the district who monitor those things and make sure that outgoing and ingoing are taken care of. >> And we're paying our part, right? >> We are. And that's evidence of what you've seen. Yes. Correct. >> Can we stop paying our part to the district? Is it not paying us back? Um, let's offset it. Um, okay. Thank you, Dr. Shans. Um, now is any other
063questions, Bo? Now we want to vote. Call for the vote. >> Dr. Graves. Yes, >> Dr. Thurman. >> Yes, >> Dr. Pow Walker. >> Yes, >> Mr. Tyson. >> And that would be Yes. Thank you, Dr. Chance. It's still on you, though. >> Yeah, we got a we got a ways to go here. >> All right. So, right now, we're going to talk about the amended budget for 202526 fiscal year. So, Budget amendment construction. Um the budget amendment is based on several key assumptions and reflects the most accurate information available at the time of preparation. It incorporates historical data and financial outcomes, current year-to-ate data, revenues of expenditures, um extrapolated spending trends, and takes into account the timing of annual and periodic transactions. The amendment represents a forecast of the district's financial position at the
064close of the fiscal year 2026. With with just less than a month left um in the fiscal year, there's still factors that could influence final results. unforeseen events and circumstances beyond the district's control may impact how closely actual year-end financials align with these projects. So, I'd like to start off with the assumptions that went into the budget amendment for revenues. Uh, local taxes are projected to be more than previously budgeted. This incorporates delinquent local taxes that have not been historically included in previous years collection rates. Um it also incorporates budget for basic formula um and it is currently as was mentioned a couple of times um this evening already that the state adequacy target is not what was originally budgeted. Federal funding is also expected be is expected to be higher due to the receipt
065of ESSER funds earlier in this fiscal year. Okay. Expenditure assumptions uses the most current staff salary and benefits data through May uh through May of 2026. Positions with vacancies are not included in the salary calculations because we are only using actual expenses that we believe will be at year end. We used current expenditures to date and spending trends. The district nursing staff utilize contracted services throughout the second semester. Virtual teaching staff salaries are added. The addition of an EL coordinator position was included and the addition of administrative substitute positions are included. Virtual ST teaching staff salaries, addition of the ELLL coordinator pres I'm sorry. See, so virtual instruction and SSD uh instructional services are higher than what was originally budgeted. Utility costs are higher. Contracted pupil transportation costs high are higher due to McKini Vento
066and Foster expense. Travel costs are lower than budgeted. Liability insurance costs are lower than what was budgeted. Supply budgets are higher overall. Capital expenditures are higher due to the EV bus purchases. And you will also see um revenue on the opposite side. So with the grant, there's in and there's out. And debt surface is higher due to prepayment of bonds. If you remember earlier this year, we paid one $4.1 million in a redemption so that we could bring down the balances in our debt service fund. So a fund balance in school district refers to the remaining amount of money left over after subtracting all liabilities from the district's assets especially essentially representing the district's available financial reserves that can be used for future expenses similar to a savings account and is calculated by taking the
067difference between total revenues received and the total expenditures incurred throughout the fiscal A positive fund balance indicates financial stability while a negative one indicates a deficit. Fund balances are used to manage cash flow, cover unexpected costs like major maintenance, and stabilize operations during economic downturns. A healthy fund balance is viewed positively by credit rating agencies, potentially lending to lower borrowing costs for the district. So here you can see the last eight years of ending fund balance percentages. You'll see that um started off in 2000 fiscal year 2018 at 17 went up to 21 at its highest in the last eight years. uh you'll see that during the covid years we maintained and in large part due to er funds and in the last two years have started to decline. Can you clarify that that is
068the unrestricted just to make sure? >> Yes, sorry. That is only the general funds and the teachers funds. That does not include debt service nor does it include capital projects. And here's a comparison for the 2425 school year of ending fund balances for other St. Louis area school district compared to Ferguson Forson. So here this is a summary of the revenues for the 202526 amended budget. It shows the variance between the original adopted budget and the final amended budget. So these aren't actuals numbers. These are the variance between the original budget and the amended budget. So you'll see with current taxes uh all funds included funds 11 20 30 and 40 um an increase of 2,700 yeah $2,700,000. the senior tax freeze as was also mentioned earlier this evening uh that um shows a loss
069of revenue to the tune of about $276,000. Prop C, another item that was mentioned um that also declined by $600,000. Miscellaneous local revenue. Um, as I mentioned just a second ago, this is part of the EV bus grant. So there's a revenue side and there's an expenditure side. So the grant itself equals about $9.1 million overall. So we'll see this again in expenditures. Basically basic formula uh as we heard the state adequacy target has gone down from 7145 to 6,900. That essentially represents about $3.6 million which includes both the basic formula and the classroom trust fund. ESRE funds we did receive an increase um of unexpected uh federal funding in the tune of about $2.3 million earlier this year. Title funds. Uh overall the budget variance is $711,000. Homeless children and youth um $415,000 deficit
070and transportation fees to other districts. Now that is the collection of those invoicing for Mckin Vento and Foster. So we have an increase of about $581,000 in that line item. salaries. So on the expenditure side, negatives are good and positives are not so good. So salaries, um, we have $7.8 million less than was budgeted. That's due to the fact that we weren't able to fill all the vacancies that all the positions that we had. benefits that goes along with salaries. You're not paying salaries, you're not paying staff. So obviously the benefits also decreased as well. Purchase services an increase of about one almost $2 million. Supplies and materials an increase of $745,000. Capital outlay. This is where I was talking about the the EV bus grant on the expenditure side. So otherwise the $9.1 million
071if it wasn't there we would have had a positive capital outlay. Uh long and shortterm debt. Um, again, the $4.1 million that we spent in uh refunding earlier this year, that accounts for the additional uh 3.9 almost $4 million. So having said all that re total revenues are almost $165 million total expenses $161.5 million which gives an overall surplus for the year of about $3.3 million. So, as you can see the progression here in the 2425 school year, we have a ending fund balance percentage of 8.9%. The original adopted budget from 2526 was estimated to be 2.06%. the current amended budget that we're talking about this evening. We will end with essentially a 14 almost 14.5% ending fund balance percentage and there's a conservative uh planning adjustment of 3%. We will talk about that in
072just a second. So this is a representation of what the summary page of an ASBR looks like taking into account what we project at the end of the 2526 school year. So you'll see again the 14.48%. This conservative planning adjustment I want to skip ahead real here real quick. So the reason we are incorporating 3% is because historically the year-end budget amendments have varied quite a bit from the audit and ASBR balances. So those actually come while we're doing the audit and after the end of the fiscal year. Since the budget amendment represents a forecast of the district's financial position, several factors could change the outcome of those estimates by year end. As such, a conservative planning estimate of 3% will be implemented on the ending fund balances. This will lower the ending fund balance
073amounts until such time as the actual financial amounts can be determined. a readjustment in future budget amendment will reflect the corrected fund balances. So if I go back, you'll see that we we will go from 14.48 to 11.48 in the reduction of that 3% which equates in dollars to about 4.2 million. We're kind of pushing that off to the side until we know for sure how our true actuals will end at the end of June. So based on current projections, we anticipate a fund balance of $20.4 million as of June 30th, 2026. This equates to a fund balance percentage of 14.48%. To avoid future reliance on short-term borrowing, it's anticipated that a minimum fund balance of 20% will be needed. At current budgetary levels, this equates to an additional $8 million over and above the
074current unrestricted ending fund balance or $28 million in total. And lastly, uh, funds balances fund balance levels are still below where the district can confident confidently avoid borrowing to cover anticipated expenditures before new tax revenue arrives at calendar year end. Utilization of a tax anticipation note or a TAN in the amount of $10 million to cover those expenses is recommended. So administration is requesting approval of the proposed final budget amendment. >> I need a motion to approve. >> So moved. >> All right. Any discussion? Yeah, we're on number 11. >> Okay. Does the board have any questions? We're all good. All right, let's call for a vote. Jackie, >> Dr. Pow Walker, >> yes. >> Dr. Thurman, >> Dr. Graves, >> yes. >> Mr. Tyson, >> yes. Thank you. Motion passes. And Dr. Chance, will
075you please stay? We have a couple more for you. >> Couple more? >> Sure. [laughter] Let's go. I do have one more. Yeah, we do have one more. Here we go. All right, let's move on to the fiscal year 2026 27 preliminary budget. So, this is what we'll be talking about throughout the presentation. So this is a summary of the uh prior three years actuals uh the adopted budget of 2526 the preliminary budget sorry in the amended budget and the preliminary 2627 budget. So you'll see the ending fund balances that were alluded to before. Uh 8.97 for 2425 an initial adopted budget of ending fund balance of 2.06 uh a 11.48 ending fund balance for the amended 2526 budget. And we'll talk about in a little bit uh more detail a ending fund balance percentage
076of 11.41%. You'll see that the preliminary budget has a $2.2 million surplus revenues over expenditures. So notable differences from the prior year. There's been a reclassification of staff. Um the HR department has done a herculean job in putting people in the places where they need to be. So at some point you may notice that there are variances within the salary section of our discussion. Um that's just simply move that because things are are staff are moving between and being put where they need to be. Uh staff vacancies. So in this particular case as the 20 we talked about in the 2526 we did not include staff vacancies because we were looking at actual cost at the end of the year. We are in the 2627 budget budgeting for all vacancies as if we were filling
077all of them. AIDS and bus monitors have been given health benefits in the 2627 budget. An additional personal day has been allocated to staff members. Uh summer school is also budgeted for in 2627. Uh, as we talked about a little bit in the um last uh budget amendment discussion, there's a 3% reduction in the ending fund balances. EV bus grant revenue and expense is not included in this. That would have been an expenditure and grant that was within the 2526 fiscal year. And the ESSER funding is no longer available. it has run its course. So for revenues um in total current real estate property taxes delinquent real estate property taxes prop C Eminem sir tax and interest and a few other categories in total the revenues for local funding is $12.9 million. for county revenue
078fines as chiefs over plus plus uh state assessed railroad and utility taxes equal about $1.5 million uh state revenues basic formula transportation early childhood sped classroom trust early childhood PAT career ed food service public placement and other state revenue equals $42.7 million for federal funding, Medicaid, ROC, career ed, PC sped, uh the uh food service programs, title programs, homeless education and Head Start in total, $13.7 million for federal funding. and other categories mostly transportation fees to other districts $700,000. So expenditures uh specifically salaries uh certified salaries uh administrative salaries substitute teachers supplemental pay certified leave non-certified salaries aid salaries non-certified subpay and non-certified leave in all total $89 million. benefits. They total three 31.7 million. Um also um purchase services, you'll see kind of the main largest um purchase service vendors within that category. Uh
079that's not inclusive of all purchase services, but in total it's $20.9 million. And general supplies about $8.4 million for the district. Capital outlay, it's $5.6 million. And you'll see our long and shortterm debt. Um, these are our bonds and uh other other debt that we have. So, about $2.2 million in principal, about $1.3 million in uh interest, and then fees of 120,000. So, again, here is what is representative of what an ASBR summary would look like. At the end of the fiscal year 2027, um, as I showed you on the earlier summary page, we would end the year if all revenues and expenditures came in as budgeted of 11.41%. Each ending fund balance, you'll see for the general fund is 24.43%. Um the special revenue fund or teachers fund is zeroed out. See we're um
080starting to um increase our fund balances in debt service again. And capital projects is also um zero ending fund balance. If you notice there's a transfer transfer two line of $5 million from general funds into the teachers fund. Now, if you recall, this still takes into account that conservative uh adjustment that we talked about earlier, which is about $4.2 million. So, if you reverse that out, then you're talking about about $800,000 transfer instead of 5 million. So again, I kind of went over that the overall ending fund balance uh of all funds is about 13.9 almost 14%. So, as I mentioned before, uh fund balance levels are still lower than what we can confidently feel that the the dollar amounts for the ending fund balance could cover in our expenditures before calendar year end before
081our uh local tax revenue comes in. So we anticipate using a tan in the amount of about $10 million. So >> Dr. Chance, can you clarify for us if this is for action or just for um public I mean board >> if it's what for >> for actions board action? >> Yes, it's for approval. >> Yeah, my apologies. There's a we'll make an update. It says an update, but it is for action for the um adoption for the 2627 school year. >> Okay. Motion. >> So move. >> Any discussion? >> I just want to say for clarification, isn't this our first time going over the budget, the preliminary, and we're approving it on the first read? I'm just making sure >> the only difference that we know is um this year we do have one
082board meeting per month as opposed to the two and so um obviously it's the board prerogative to move forward as they see such however this is the only board meeting that we have in June. So, it was going to be my understanding that it was the adoption >> and with so many board members. >> Do we need to come back? >> I just know historically we've done workshops. So, >> exactly. >> I don't I was just wondering if we was doing something different this year. >> Again, whatever the board's prerogative is, uh, we can make it happen. It's just we don't have anything else on the um the agenda now that we've gone down to one board meeting a month as opposed to two. So that clarification, my apologies, we can get cleared up. >>
083I mean, I'm in favor. Um I don't see any um major changes that's needed. Um I was just wondering that was it. >> I just I just want to ask a question, Mr. Chance. This might be something you don't know the answer to. Um it you brought it up in your um your last item, but I think it might be relevant here. So, you know how you mentioned that special school districts um I guess the the the fees that they charge for and you know whatever services they provide to us had increased. >> Correct. >> And I was going to ask, do you know whether or not uh they set their fees themselves or if the state sets those? Um, I do not know the answer exactly to that question, but I will definitely look.
084>> I know that feels random, but I'm just >> sure >> just having some awareness of some other things. I'm just curious about that. All right. Thank you. >> I'm inclined to have us hold on this because number one, I think the rest of the board needs to be included when we do this budget like this. It's four of us here and even if one person votes no, it can't pass anyway. But so, >> okay, I have a quick statement. Okay. Hey, I just wanted to point out Dr. Chance, I did like the lower interest rate on the tan. I noticed that. So, I checked the community to sit on that. That was pretty good. Okay. Um, so board, are we going to >> Can we set up some maybe a a um Zoom? >>
085Um, I mean, the budget does have to get approved by June 30th. So, I guess if you were stating that you would probably vote no, then we wouldn't be able to pass it. So, we don't really have a choice, >> right? >> I do I'm sorry. I do want to ask Dr. Thurman, are there specific things that you saw in this preliminary budget that you have questions or concerns about so that they could be prepared for that whenever we do meet? >> Not necessarily something in particular. I just feel like this is such a big thing. And plus, we're talking about voting on for, you know, $10 million, which we kind of voted on for the last one for next year that I I just think that the board, all of the board needs to
086to have um input on it and and to vote on it on the budget. >> Okay. Um so again, if she took a vote and and didn't So Jackie, will you um set up the time with the other >> I just want to be I mean we Oh no we didn't motion yet. I just want to also just be mindful though um with everybody's schedule we we have to have it done by >> June 30th >> the 30th we did okay we did motion and >> and I guess my position there is that this information was sent out so I mean if though the the absent board members did hopefully would have had an opportunity to review it and if there was any concerns you think they would have communicated >> would they have an
087opportunity I mean, they didn't hear his presentation and I know that it did go out, but this is a huge thing for us to be voting on with almost half the board here. >> Okay. >> I would vote against it. So, I'm just saying up front. >> Okay. So, we will Thank you, Dr. Chance. We will um we will set up a time. So, we have to >> withdraw a motion >> or I would say we can actually vote on it just so we can show that it was a no. I mean, >> why we didn't do it then? >> Yeah, let's go for the vote. >> Yeah, I did call for the vote. >> Dr. Graves, >> yes. >> Dr. Paul Walker, >> yes. >> Dr. Thurman, >> no. Mr. Tyson. >> Yes. >>
088All right. So, we'll um motion passes. No. Fails. That fails. That fails. That fails. That fails. All right. New business. The board. Um we're going to be discussing the agenda policy BDDH-1 public participation at board meetings. uh either revision to public comments. Uh motion for >> motion discussion >> or is this just for discussion? >> It says board action. Hey, Charlie. >> Hey, sir. Yes, sir. So, the board has decided to uh have a discussion about it and if there's action needed, I'm just here to be able to take notes and make the necessary adjustments that whatever the board's desire is. Can you tell us um or tell the community again what policy BDDH-1 states? >> Yes, sir. I know that there is a subsection in there that states that um the only thing that
089can be spoken of here at the podium is things that are on the agenda um for that meeting. And I think that that is an element of discussion. So administration doesn't we're out of it. We really just want to acquies as to whatever the board's desire is. >> Um, let's have a discussion >> or now do we motion for discussion. >> Motion for discussion. >> Okay, great. >> I have no idea. >> I I think Oh, >> I just True. I don't know. I was just >> Okay. Sorry. I'm so sorry if I was rude to anybody. I And I could be wrong, but I think we have to have the conversation so somebody can settle in their heart what their motion would be. >> Exactly. >> Right. Right. Like Right. You might already have
090a thought, but I think that the discussion part comes and then after the discussion, a board member says, "Well, I would like to motion this because this is what I feel strongly about." >> Okay. And the only confusion that I had is that we kind of had this discussion and the reason it's on the agenda is because we were concerned about well some board members were concerned about just the one thing which is that we um make a motion to uh uh take out the part that says only agenda items only. And that's that's the only part. and then we would have a discussion and then decide whether we wanted to vote on it. >> That's that's usually the way we do it. But I yield to the president. >> Well, goodness. Okay. [laughter] >>
091Well, Courtney. >> Well, no. I mean, my thing is the first part is we have to know what we were going to talk about. So, everybody wasn't in the discussion. So, I wasn't even sure why we were bringing this up. So from what you're saying is that um there is has been talk about wanting to remove the piece where it says that it only has to be an agenda item and maybe change it to that anybody could talk about anything when it comes to the podium. Is that what we're trying to discuss? Okay. >> We have done what we have done in the past is just that what you just said doc Dr. graves that people can come to the podium and talk about or ask a question or make a statement about a concern
092that they have. And so that has been what the community has been used to. We were not following the policy because the policy specifically says only things on the agenda. And so when our new president came in his first day, he said he read the policy which was he's right. He's right. The policy says only agenda items. So the reason that it's on the agenda is because um you know all of us were kind of a little shocked when he said that and we had people who were used to making comments or whatever and they were ready to make a comment and we stopped them. And so it was a little awkward. uh and we had that little discussion and so I did ask to have it uh put on the agenda so so that
093we can have some discussion about it because I'd like to see it it uh changed so so that the community is able to come in and and and speak at the podium. >> My question to do you want to make the motion so we can do the discussion or are we still talking about it? I kind of like the idea of the discussion so that we can what we're going to do. >> My question is to Charlie um and I'm just kind of remembering back. >> Didn't it used to say agenda items um and non-aggenda items can be discussed? >> You're talking about the previous policy. >> The previous policy >> I don't remember. >> I mean can we I mean we can put to me that sounds familiar in my head saying that. And
094so when we did the change of that uh public comment I'm wondering was that taken off? Now, the three people who worked on this are happen to not be here. So, I'm just wondering if we can go back um in past board policy when we said the public comment. I I think it said agenda items um and non-aggenda items and I think one of the people uh and I I won't speak for one of them, but they said that I thought we changed it or kept it that this was not the correct this was not the correct um wording for the policy. >> And I guess my position on it real quick since we have the discussion is by no means is this an is this our attempt to silence the community. We want to
095hear from you. However, there are times to hear from you. And honestly, I don't think a board meeting is for every issue that you could possibly think about. There's um I think sometimes we could a board meeting can go longer or be taken hostage by other agendas because people are taking the opportunity to speak things that really have no business to the board but may benefit that individual that's talking. So some kind of way I would like to ensure that we vent that um that people are not talking about >> personal things >> any and everything under the sun that has absolutely no business with the Ferguson Florison School District. It because again this is not the platform to talk about everything that you could possibly think about. >> Well I I would say historically
096we have not had an issue with with with that >> as much. We have not not when there's a personal thing like my son blah blah blah but one of the things that we have been doing and Dr. Fields has been really good about this is you know we'll read the comment that comes up and we'll say well this is not an appropriate comment for this time and we will say to the person we will get back with you. So that way we can we can circumvent that that kind of of thing and then of course we don't respond to to to the person who's speaking. So, in terms of time, I get what you're saying, but I don't think that we've eaten up a lot of time with things like that. And I I
097just still feel like um we should not stop the voice of the community. So, >> and the other thing, I'm sorry, the other thing I would like to also suggest to the community there, there has been a lot of things that have been stated as well that I think should be on the agenda for discussion. So, I think we really do need to emphasize that process of how to get things on the agenda. So, it's just not a comment, but it's could actually be discussed by the board. So, I don't know how we um can implement some of that into this either. Um >> my so my thinking about it is um I I want the community to be able to come and talk about whatever school related things that they want to talk about
098whether it's on the agenda or not. But I also recognize that the um items that are on the agenda may be more pressing or more relevant. So, if we stick with the 30 minutes, but we just prioritize the comments that have to do with what's on the agenda, and then if there's any time remaining, then that would be used for those additional comments. Um, and I do think as as Terry stated and we've talked about before, how how do people in the community connect with a board member or administration to say, "Hey, this is something I'd really like to hear the board talk about." Um, so that's something I do think needs to be, you know, needs to be talked about more so the community knows how to do that. And also to make it
099clear that I don't know whether it would make it on the agenda, but you do have to have a way to share that you think think this is important and then there could be some conversation around where to put it on the agenda and when to put it on there based on whatever the district's priorities are at the time. Maybe >> I love your the idea um Dr. Pow Walker of the timing. maybe take the agenda, the items first that are on the agenda and if there even if there's none then then we take the rest of it and but also that we still still read them and see if they're appropriate for so so that covers for you um u pastor pastor president um and it also covers for for what uh Dr. Um
100how walkers saying >> okay so two things um I just found the old policy it's initially said the board allocates this portion of the meeting to allow stakeholders the opportunity to comment on both agenda items and non-aggenda items and so I know that that has been on the on on public comment for at least 10 years until this last year when we changed the public comments and we left this that part out. Um I would say probably in the course of the 10 years we really didn't have an issue in public comments. I believe the president at those given times was able to basically talk with the community if there were issues we if it was a personnel issue we would let that person know and then that comment typically stopped. The other thing is
101which we don't utilize a lot is the policy on adding an agenda item. Anybody in the community can actually add an agenda item if they follow the policy. And so there are different they can ask to add add things to the agenda. But that's what I'm saying. You have to follow the policy. And so what maybe we need to do is review that policy with the community if um agenda items need to be added. Um there's a whole way that that's supposed to go. So I think if anything my motion would be to reput that statement back in um that says that um the stakeholder um that we will allow stakeholders the opportunity to comment on both agenda items and non-aggenda items at the start of each board meeting and your followup >> is that
102motion >> I like >> is that your motion >> are we going to have discussion What's the motion? Yes. >> Um, yes, my that's my a motion to put that sentence back in to the poly. >> Second. >> All right. Now discussion. >> So, what I'm wondering about is uh I agree with that, but do we also want to add some language about the utilization of that 30 minutes? Because if you just add that back in, that doesn't address. >> But that would be procedure. >> But that that's currently in there. It says uh number one, the total time allocated for inerson public comment shall not exceed 30 minutes. >> That's >> right. I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about prioritizing the deciding how to use the 30 minutes that there'd be some language
103in there that would say that it is pri that the priority is going to be and I'm asking I don't but the the things that are on the agenda people I don't know. It feels to me like it might be more important to hear those things. If we're talking about something that evening, it seems like it makes sense that we would want to hear from community members about those topics and then the time that's left over >> then you would you would use it for and I and we rarely >> I've never seen us do 30 minutes. So I feel like would be heard but >> and it and that's really going to be our practice though. It doesn't have to be policy that we say go with the agenda first and then with the
104uh >> okay well if it I don't know if it needs to be in policy and I think Dr. Gra >> a and the other part too if if we really think about it how many think that have come to this podium have been on the agenda. It's not very often that that's that occurs because a lot of people don't read the agenda before they come to a a board meeting. So, >> well, thank goodness the board president looked at that and said, "Let's make a correction to the policy." >> Wait a minute. >> Just board of education, I appreciate the conversation. Just as a reminder, these are your meetings. And so we appreciate this level of both direction and conversation. Um to the board as well as the community, the policy is actually policy
105BDDH1, which is the same one we're discussing. And if there's ever a question about agenda items, that is listed underneath the subheading of agenda items. And just the fast forward version is that residents who wish to place an item on the agenda must first meet with the superintendent or designate in an attempt to solve the issue unless the superintendent or design waves such a meeting. And so when we talk about process and as a processoriented team, um that is certainly in there and we have not been approached in that particular regard. So it's >> it's already a part of the policy. No need to. >> Correct. >> What you're what you're asking for is there. >> True. But but I don't know how many community members have read all of the policies. >> Of course.
106>> Sometimes people just get upset and they want their voice to be heard. So that's why I was saying I do think we should kind of do what Dr. Field said like educate kind of what you were saying. Tell everybody this is how you do it because again to Mr. Tyson's point, we don't want anybody to feel like they're being silenced. We want you to we want them to come. We want them to share, but there's just order as to how all of that happens. >> So, are you pretty much asking like when he reads how that how the public comment should go that a sentence is added in about if if you want to add something to the agenda, here's how you do it. Is that what you're asking? I just want to make
107sure I understand. >> I am uh okay with whatever the board decides. I just I was mostly just saying >> educate the community on at least once a year, right? Like maybe at the beginning of the school year when we start board meetings, you just kind of make sure people know >> or something or I don't know, may maybe it's referenced somewhere that the community can go to to make public comments. There could be a blur put there so that the community knows too. >> That makes sense. >> And I kind of like the suggestion of just adding some type of short sentence to that statement. just so we can constantly be the reminder that this is how to add to a policy >> and you can direct them to where they need to go
108in order to okay >> okay so there's a recommendation on the floor and second let's call for a vote if discussion is done >> can anybody repeat what the recommendation >> we have to do Okay. Call for a vote. >> Dr. Graves, >> yes. >> Dr. Thurman, >> yes. >> Dr. Pow Walker, I need clarification on what the motion was. The motion was so you all added some stuff. You all need >> It's just that one sentence. The motion The motion was to um put back into >> the original public comment um >> Yes. Agenda. >> Agenda. Yeah. That both agenda items and non-aggenda items. >> Yes. Mr. Tyson. >> Yes. I would also like to recommend a wave of second read first grade >> secondary. >> So moved. >> What? >> This policy change?
109>> Anytime we update policy has to go through first and second read. So, what I think um President Tyson, I don't want to speak for him, but I think he was wanting to wave the first read and go straight to the second. So, that way it's the um if it's the will of the board that that will go into effect immediately and not need a second read. >> I guess I just thought there was more conversation, but I guess I thought there was more based on all this conversation that just happened. I thought we were doing more than just adding in adding the line back in about the agenda and non-aggenda items, but I may be incorrect. So, if that's all we're doing, that's it. Okay. Motion. >> Second. Byebye. >> Second. >> I second.
110I thought you motioned. >> He motion. >> I motion. >> Oh, so those two. >> All right, let's call for a vote. >> Dr. Graves, >> yes. >> Dr. Pow Walker, >> Dr. Thurman, >> yes. >> Mr. Tyson, >> yes. All right. This section of the board meeting is intended to provide the board of education and the public with information regarding requests for proposals, RFPs, that are currently active and anticipated to be issued by the district. The purpose of this item is information only and no board action is required at this time. Sharing this information promotes transparency, supports strategic planning, and ensure board members remain informed regarding procurement activities, operational needs, and initiatives that support district goals and priorities. Dr. Ch Oh, Dr. Hello. The board of education would like to remind community members that
111on Jul July 8th, 2026, board of education meeting will be held virtually. Additional information regarding access to the meeting will be provided in advance and posted on the district website. Thank you for your continued interest and participation in board work. >> Last item. >> Yeah, I thought >> that was for boardformational only. And so the next item is for me which is for closing school year comments. So there's no RFPs to to to for us to know about. >> It's justformational if you want Dr. um Chambers to talk a little bit about it, but it's just more so letting the um board know about that RFP that is provided in assembly that that RFP is out. It doesn't require any level of board approval or anything right now. It's just the issuance of the RFP
112forformational purpose and transparency purposes. Okay. Okay. Um, the superintendent will provide final remarks regarding the accomplishments and challenges of the school year. Express appreciation to students, staff, and families and community members for their support and shared thoughts as the district prepares for the upcoming school year. >> Thank you. Um, President Tyson, members of the board, staff, family, students, and to the Ferguson Florison School District community. As we close out the final board meeting for the 2526 school year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the weight of this school year, the progress we've made, and the responsibility we carry into the 2026 2027 school year. This has not been an easy school year. In many ways, it has been one of the most demanding years our district has faced in recent memory. We have
113had to confront some hard truths about our finances, our systems, our staffing structures, our facilities, our academic outcomes, and the trust that must continue to rebuild our entire community. And beyond the operational challenges, we have also carried grief. The most difficult part of this year has not been a budget, a policy, a staffing decision, or a public meeting. The most difficult part has been the loss of life connected to our school community. Students who lives ended far too soon. Staff members who serve this incredible district. Former board members who helped shape the foundation we now stand on. And others whose absence is deeply felt. Those losses remind us that this work is never just about numbers, buildings, policies, or reports. This work is about people. It is about our families, our children. It is about
114the community that deserves to be cared for, protected, as well as lifted. And so tonight, as we speak about progress, we do so with humility. We do so knowing that forward does not mean easy. Forward does not mean finished and forward does not mean perfect. But I can say without a shadow of a doubt, the Ferguson Florison School District is certainly moving forward in the right direction. A year ago, this same district was projected to end the 2025 2026 school year with an unrestricted fund balance of approximately 2.06%. Tonight, our community heard something very different. They heard that we are now projecting an unrestricted fund balance of approximately 14%. They heard that we have moved from a projected $5.6 million deficit to a projected $3.3 million surplus. This would represent the largest surplus since 2018
115and the second largest surplus in the last 15 years. This is not an accident. This is the result of discipline, the result of difficult decisions. It is the result of tighter systems, stronger oversight, and more transparent budgeting, as well as a willingness to confront reality instead of explaining it away. It is the result of a fantastic board of education who are willing to ask the difficult questions and an administration willing to do the necessary work. Let me be clear. We are nowhere near where we want to be. I'll venture to say for what I envision for this school district, we are not even close. We still have academic work to do. We still have families to support and work to do. We still have culture work to do. We still have safety work to do.
116We still have financial work to do. We still have trust to earn. [clears throat] We still have fantastic staff to recruit to the Ferguson Florison School District, including recruiting many of which to return. More on that next school year. I say all of this to say we are in a better place than we were a year ago. And that certainly matters. It matters because the progress restores confidence. It matters because stability creates opportunities. It matters because every dollar we protect, every system we strengthen, every process we clarify, and every decision we make with integrity brings us closer to becoming the district our students, our staff, and our community deserve. Last year we did more I'm sorry. This year we did more than survive. We began the process of resetting. We brought greater attention to fiscal
117responsibility. We strengthened board meeting preparation and transparency. We engaged staff, students, families, and community members in more honest conversations. We passed Proposition S. We elevated student voice. We celebrated extraordinary student achievement. We saw our students earn scholarships, perform, compete, create, lead, and remind us time and time again why this works, why this work matters. We also began preparing for the future with greater alignment. Just last week, administrators met to close out this school year and continue intentional planning for the next school year. This convening included reviewing data, identifying barriers, strengthening school improvement plans, and developing 30, 60, and 90day plans aligned to district priorities. That is what moving forward looks like. Ferg floor forward is not just a slogan. It is a system, a standard, a commitment. And as superintendent, I would like to thank
118you. Thank you to the board of education for your trust, your questions, your governance, your willingness to lead through challenge, and your willingness to wave first read and go to second when necessary. Thank you to our staff for showing up for children and working so diligently each and every day. Thank you to our families and community members for continuing to believe that the Ferguson Florison School District can be what our students need at this time. And thank you to our students who remain the reason, the purpose, and the promise for this beautiful school district. Tonight, I do not stand here claiming victory over our challenges. I stand here claiming momentum. I stand here saying that the story of the Ferguson Florison School District is not one of decline. It is not one of despair. It
119is not one of accepting less from our for our students and what they deserve. The story of the Ferguson Flores School District is becoming a story of courage, correction, accountability, healing, partnerships, and forward movement. We are not yet where we want to be, but we are better. We are stronger. We are more aligned. We are more honest about our challenges. And because of that, we are more prepared for the future than we were a year ago. And so we close the 2025 206 school year. I want to make sure this serves as a marker, not the finish line. a marker that says this beautiful North County school district faced reality, made hard decisions, honored those that we lost, protected what matters, and chose to move forward anyway. Remaining in survival mode was not an option
120for the Ferguson Florison School District. We are truly headed forward. And if we remain focused, disciplined, united, and anchored in what is best for students, what is best for students and what is best for students. I truly believe that the best chapters of the Ferguson Florison School District are still ahead of us. Thank you for the 2025 2026 school year. To those who journey stops here, thank you so much for your time, your effort, and for everything that you put in for our students and school community. You will truly be missed. And to those who will continue down this meaningful and rewarding path for serving students in the Ferguson Florison School District, I sincerely appreciate you. I see you. I value you. And I cannot wait to see you in your classrooms, in your schools,
121in your offices, in the fields, and in the community. Thank you for a tremendous school year and God bless. >> Thank you, Dr. Fields. And we thank you, too, for um all that you've done this year for us. And just thank you. >> Thank you. >> Fantastic. >> Thank you. All right. >> All right. I'm going to call for a motion for adjournment. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Call for a vote. Dr. Graves, >> yes. >> Dr. Thurman, >> yes. >> Dr. Pow Walker, >> yes. >> Mr. Tyson, >> yes. If there's no further business meeting a jar.