001Here we go. May the 4th in a work session. Before we get started I'd like to ask for Mr. Neil James for the invocation and a pledge police, sir Thank you Mr. Chairman Police bow with me Ms. Conning Grace's heavenly father with his pause at this time to acknowledge you as a Lord and a savior and say thank you for the blessings of this life Father we thank you for the charge and responsibility that we have and we pray that we always perform the duties with the utmost respect integrity and the foresight to do what is right. Fathers we approach the end of our school year. We just ask for safety for all of our teachers all of our students all of our staff. And also we pray for success as they are enthusiastically awaiting
002graduation. We just pray that their future holds much success. And Father, we ask all these things in your humble and precious name, amen. Please rise and join me with the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flow of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The. Okay, thanks Neil. Yes, sir. Next I need an approval of the agenda. So moved on the favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. Hearing done. They passed. Next for approval of minutes for April 20. So moved. Second. Not in favor say aye. Aye. Those like sign that passed. And we move into discussions, Ms. Edmonds, Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting Report. Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. At this afternoon's curriculum and instruction meeting, the
003team reflected on the impact of our Rise with Reading Initiative across the District. And this work has led to much - increased student reading and stronger engagement from families and community and helping build a shared culture around this goal of literacy and achieving our 95 percent by 2030. So we're really excited about that. Our amazing communications team did a great job on creating a video that share some of this excitement enthusiasm and the results of what's going on in our classrooms. And we would love to share that with you right now. Pages. About 9, 000 pages. 4, 500 pages and maybe like 10 bucks. 10 to 13 books. 17 to like 20. I read about 15 books a school year. I have run around like 5, 000 pages since January. 20, 25. We read a
004few. We read a lot actually. I read as much in Ohio ever since I got in this class. I read a lot. It's been a page turner of a year at Ori County Schools. Arise with reading initiative has set a goal top grade level by 2030. And the Superintendent's Reading Challenge encourages students to read 4, 000 pages by the end of the school year. We got up with a few teachers to ask how the focus on literacy has impacted education around the District. The Rise of Reading Initiative has been great. Our principal has really encouraged the children to bring in community readers. It gets them excited about reading. And you know, that shift, the mindset shift has been huge for them, especially for the young learners, how, you know, reading is fun. It's not just
005like some mundane tasks that you have to do. So. It really has given them a purpose. And they're finding those little moments throughout the day where before they might've like chatted with a friend where they're pulling out a book and their reading so that they can go back and see the progress that they're making. So now that we're being more intentional with it and being more like clear focused, we've definitely seen some increasing growth in that, um, we're reaching all students and not just particular or a little bits here and there. We're really hitting everyone from all, um, areas and classes. The biggest thing I've noticed is a richer academic and content specific vocabulary from students. And they're using that and they're writing, the reading, their speaking, the conversations that we have in class, you
006know, the discussions. And you're really seeing that. And I think once again, it ties back into, you know, the initiative that gets students reading more as well as, you know, the various strategies that we've been incorporating all year. Being able to see them grow using, um, the, uh, small group reading, writing workshop. The students are able to like continue working on those skills. And so now that we're close to the end, they've taken another test. And now I can see how much they've grown. It's getting the students to do more collaboration and more talking about what they're reading. So we've been able to do like small seminars. We've been able to get them like in a circle and actually sharing their ideas about what they read where they're not being evaluated. That is where I'm
007seeing a lot of gains. We also followed up a students across grade levels to find out how rise with reading has transformed their reading abilities this year. I've seen it improve a lot cause I went from reading baby books. Like with five to 10 pages to reading big books like chapter books, just this year. And the third grade, I didn't know a lot more folks morphology words. So I kind of did not know that and now I've gotten a lot better with my reading. I've like, not just working on like just to get through the book. I could actually act game myself questions. About insecure. And I used to be like, like easy chapter books. Now when third grade, I read hard chapter books and maybe even fourth grader or fifth grade books. Six questions
008when I got into reading, like really reading. And from then my comprehension and like understanding things have got a lot better. My vocabulary has two. I can read a lot faster now, which is really great because, um, I like to like check out books as soon as, um, I'm done with one. And, um, uh, based on last year, I read a lot slower and I had to like pronounce like more words. Yeah. When I was younger, I've always been a reader. Like my entire life. I've always enjoyed books. But before I would read shorter books and a longer amount of time, but now I can read longer books even quicker and I can understand more complex materials. And so much more. Last year I used to not really read like at all. And then the
009CI just started like, I found a genre that I really liked and I just stuck to it. And I feel like that helped a lot. Beginning of the year, I'll just read to like just get it over with the class, get over with the day. But no, I'm reading. We're just slipping, just living me. She did walk us through everything. Oh, it was, it definitely helped over my vocabulary. You know, it gets me a better reader, based on the understand things more. I used to read like, maybe I got punished and it had nothing else to do. And I read a book or something like that. But being in this class actually like helped me enjoy reading. Like now I want to like actually like go to the library and go to book and actually
010want to read. As you can see, the rise with reading initiative has started a new chapter for Ori County schools, one where literacy is the main character. And everyone's excited to find out what happens next. Thank you so much for running that, Lucas. And thanks again to our communications team. These videos really do help bring to life what's going on in our classrooms and around the county and give it a story. And it's a beautiful thing. So we thank you for that. Um, after that, we talked about the District Summer Program that are offered. The summer program directors came up and provided an overview of all the upcoming opportunities that we have. Elementary and middle school students will have access to in - person programs hosted at various schools to strengthen and math skills. While
011high school students will have opportunities to participate in virtual courses. These programs will begin shortly after the school year ends. I believe around June the 8th or 9th and go for basically five weeks, um, about a month after that. And our encouragement families are encouraged to contact their child school for additional details if you've not had any conversation about that. Additional summer learning opportunities are available for students that have interest and strengths and academics and fine arts. So this would be, um, we're excited to announce a collaboration with CCU Coastal Carolina University for a summer dual enrollment program. So, um, that will be for our high school students to earn college credits. So that's really exciting. And the first year launch, it's a 50 student limit on that for this first year. Um, but we're
012really excited to be able to provide that for our high school students. Summer scholars is also, um, enrichment experiences across content areas like English, history, math, science, technology, and the arts. PSAT preparation for students who need that is available. And this targets and supports help them improve their performance on the PSAT and national merit qualification test. And there are fine arts opportunities and programs available at carolinaforest high school and partner universities, including Furman University and Charleston Southern. And these focus on theater, visual arts, orchestra band and vocal performances. So, um, we're really excited about all the things going on. And one of the big points to highlight here is the ability that our team collaborate and all has greatly reduced the number of third graders that qualify for retention. And that's very exciting because that
013goes right along with our, um, initiative with Rise with Reeding, paying attention to literacy pylon and get those kids going, provide the summer opportunities. So you don't get the summer slide where they're out too long and they tend to forget some things. And then they have to kind of start back a little. So we want them to retain everything they're learning during the school year. And, um, many, many, many good things. The number of students, this is exciting that have been identified as at risk has been reduced by about half. And so the District will continue these efforts with a goal. And I love this goal of reducing that number to less than one percent. So that's very exciting for our third graders and our elementary teachers. And also think about it, the teachers and
014all the students coming after that, right? If we can get them strong in third grade literacy up to third grade, you learn to read. From fourth grade on your reading to learn. And so that's an exciting gift that this school district can offer to the public. Each student into really help them along in their academic career. And that's it. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Edmonds. Now I'd ask Mr. Jennerette Board and Superintendent Relations. Good evening Cox. West Chair Wellens. Board members. And Mr. Jones. BSR5 is one of the sections of your Board Governance Policy that has gone through policy committee or a rework revisit revisions. And we think we have achieved that and have made it with clarity and with simplicity and moving forward. Again, BSR 5 is the Board Superintendent Relationships. We think we've
015achieved making it clear and making it concise. So at this time, uh, it was reported at the last meeting through the policy committee report for the, for that meeting and is brought to you today in case there was any questions or a vote that you would take next time. Questions hearing none. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Gardner. Financial Administration quarterly report. Thank you Chairman Cox. Vice Chair Wellens Board members Mr. Jones. Today you have a quarterly Financial Report for the quarter in March 31st, 2026. I do want to give a shout out to Tracy Suggs and her team for preparing this document. When you look at everything is on track. So we have published it. If there's any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. Mr. James. Mr. Gardner, just a quick question. I've been
016glancing through it since we just got it. But, um, I'm looking at the food service fund, page 33. And there is a dramatic swing in the profit versus law statement for several schools. Is there a reason for that. Some of it might have to do with inventory when they buy food. A lot of times when you purchase food, it becomes inventory. It's not expense until later, but we will get with the food service director and get you a specific answer for that. Thank you. Anything else? Very none. Thank you, sir. And you're staying there to give us. 05. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 0E5. And 0E5 basically deals with the budget process. This is what we're going to discuss today. Um, and so we will present that to you. And I'll hear a few moments. It
017does. Oh, we file says the 2026 Superintendent Conference subject is prepared in the summary format and allows the Board to understand the Relationship between the budget and results parties and any operational expectation goals for a year. It also credibly describes revenues and expenditures. The budget shows the amount spent in each budget category for the most recently completed fiscal year. The amount budget for the category for the current fiscal year in the amount that we're asking for or proposing for the next fiscal year. The budget discloses budget playing assumptions, including those assumptions and parameters at the Board approved back in December and any major funding initiatives by May 15th of each year. As sure as fiscal soundness in fiscal years, a reflection, anticipated change, the employee compensation. We'll share that with you, including inflationary adjustments, step
018increases. The budget establishes personnel positions in the budget, including those created within the amount designated for personnel contingencies. It does not plan for experience that any fiscal year, more funds that are conservatively to be privileged for that year. And most importantly, the budget does not reduce to projected near - in fund balance. Of the amount less than 15 percent of the prior years general fund expenditures. So we think we are in compliance with this questions. I'll be happy to answer. Questions. Nope. Mr. Jones, I guess you're taking the lead. Okay. Well, Chairman Cox, Vice Chair Wellens, members of the Board. Tonight, I want to begin our budget discussion by highlighting that we are approaching. This budget in both fiscal responsibility and long - term sustainability. Importantly, we are not asking for any tax or millage
019increase. For the third consecutive year, we're intentionally reducing our reliance on fund balance. This is an important step forward. It reflects a move away from short - term solutions towards a more structurally sound budget model that we can sustain over time. Last year, we learned more heavy. We leaned more heavily on one time. Funds to support initiatives. This year, we are bringing more of those investments back into the budget on the front end. This means our priorities are funded on not just the front end, but built to last over time. Um, and we're not depending on temporary resources for what we consider emerging situations or problems or concerns that we're trying to solve for on behalf of kids. So we're making deliberate proactive comments commitment, sorry to teach her and support staff in regards to
020their compensation, number one, academic programming with strong focus on literacy number two. And student support services increases as well. There are no longer these add - ons that we did throughout this past year. Uh, we have baked those add - ons into this budget, including not only the holiday bonus, but also including the one million dollar after school enrichment slash tutoring. We've baked that into this budget as well. So at this time, we're trying to balance progress with fiscal discipline. And this budget does include a strategic use of fund balance. It does. Approximately 27. 2 million dollars, but we're doing this while maintaining strong reserves. And staying within the Board Policy expectations. Our fund balance remains healthy and above required thresholds. This year, we're also utilized a zero - based budgeting to take a closer
021look at spending from the ground up. That process allowed us to identify efficiency, reduce costs were appropriate and ensure that every dollar is aligned to our overall priorities. The results is a more predictable and sustainable financial model. It provides a greater stability for our schools and staff. It aligns resources more directly with Board Priorities and Student Outcomes. And finally, it allows us to be more strategic and less reactive throughout the year. Simply put. In my opinion, this budget reflects that we are spending smarter. Not just more. It's reducing our dependencies on reserves over the course of the year while building a financial plan that supports and sustained that progress at the beginning of the year. Ori County Schools with that in mind is in a great place financially with this budget. And at that, I'll
022hand it over to Mr. Gardner for specific input. Thank you, Mr. Jones. And so what we want to do today is give you a presentation that the 2026 - 27 Superintendents Comprehensive Budget. A lot of this information won't be new to you. In fact, we met last week during a workshop. So you'll be seeing some of the same items again today. So what you have here and give a shout out here to Crystal Fry and Terre Crane, preparing these two books. So you have two books. One is the comprehensive budget. And the other one I call the marble book. Which is the budget by location and a special funds you lose. When we compare last year's budget to the proposed budget, last year, our total comprehensive budget was a little over 1. 1 billion dollars.
023Other that amount roughly around 679, 000 dollars was for the general fund. At that time for the current year, our millage's right for general fund is 109. 1 mils rate for debt service is 10 meals. It's foretold meal age of 109. 1. Fast forward to our proposed budget. The comprehensive budget is actually increased to 1. 2 billion dollars. I think this is the first time the county recently said their budget actually increased over a billion dollars. But, oh, that 1. 2 billion dollars 707. 6 million of it is attributed to the general fund, which is about a 28. 3 million dollar increase You can see special revenue funds that's got a slight decrease there. And again, you know, once I special revenue funds was growing real rapidly. Of course that was because the Esther funds.
024And ARP funds. Of course, those have gone away. Um, education improvement act increase. And we'll talk a little bit about that as we proceed through the budget. Slide increase for food service on, people activity fund. Basically, those are monies that are raised by students, for student purposes. And we're based upon how much money they've collected. So we project next year that they'll collect and spend somewhere around 7. 6 million dollars debt service fund. It's actually increased to 153. 5 million. And a lot of that has to deal with a transfer from debt service to our capital programs. And we'll talk a little bit more about that as we proceed to this presentation. And in the school building fund, you know, when the Board approves to school building fund budgets, it's for multi - year. And
025so what we're sharing here, these expenditures for school building fund are what we're projecting to spend in 2026 - 27, realizing that those budgets can extend for multiple years. And then lastly, we'll point out on this, is that our millage rate is Mr. Jones mentioned earlier is 109. 1 mils for the general funds that we are not asking for any increase in millage for the 2026 - 27 budget. And in debt service will remain the same. Okay, and so now we look at total operational expenditures. Our total operation expenditures is 848. 5 million dollars. And you can see it's broken down and salaries, employee benefits, purchase services, supplies, capital outlay, people activity and transfers in other commitments. Of that 848. 5 million, 79. 7 is tied up in salaries and employee benefits. If you look
026at the general fund only, okay, gentlemen only. 86. 3 percent is tied up in compensation. That doesn't leave a whole lot for utilities, insurance, and other things. We're looking at capital outlay. Expanatures are 381. 1 million. Notice our principal payments are going down. And we'll talk a little bit about that as well. Um, interest on bonds. Is slightly decreased. Fees were serving bonds is very, very different, very, very small. Transfer to the building fund. You see, we're asking for an increase there. From 62. 9 million to 90 million dollars. And then technology and capital improvements, you'll see that, um, it's actually increased in prior year. Our expected expansions for next year from 194. 1 million to 227. 6 being. Revenues. We're looking at over about 1. 1 billion dollars in revenues and other financing sources.
027Other that amount, 47. 9 percent of that revenue is generated locally. Locally, and you see the increase. There's most of our local revenue come from. Two primary sources. One is property taxes. And the educational capital improvement cells and use taxes considered to be local revenue as well. So you see that we're actually growing there. Slight increase in state revenue. Federal revenue is pretty flat. As I mentioned earlier, transfers from sales tax. You can see the little bump there that were anticipating for next year. And then other transfers are relatively flat. Major revenue changes all funds. Properties access. We had projected that property taxes for both debt service and the general fund will increase by additional 29. 8 million dollars Again, this is based upon our current collections and extrapolating what we expect for next year
028plus a three percent growth rate. Education capital improvement sales and use tax slot increase about 1. 5 million. Revenue Lewis taxes. Those are the things that we get for the Multi County Business Park. Slide increase 823, 000 interest on investments. We're rejecting a slight decrease there. Um, again, interest rates are all low to place. But we are spending some of our. Capital money down. So that's why we're expecting a slight decrease there. Other people activity income 646, 000. And then other local revenues of Lules than a million dollars. Moving on to Elder, intergovernmental revenue, E - Rate. Okay. Neat thing about E - rate is that we actually were notified recently that we received a grant for a 2. 1 million dollars. And it was for a cybersecurity pilot project. And so, so we were
029notified recently, so we won't be able to actually probably spend all that money prior to June 30th. And so that's why you see an increase anticipated revenue there with that. State revenue, state aid to classrooms. I call it the new funding formula. And it still is. Basically, it's still in a proviso. That is not part of the law. Still provides a one - year law. Um, 2. 4 million dollars in new state revenue. From state at the classroom. That's not a whole lot of money from the state on that. Retiree insurance. 932, 000. Likewise. EIA state aid the classrooms with the new funding form. We see a decrease of 1. 1 million. So you probably recall some conversations we had in previous years. State A declaration comes from two buckets, one from the general fund
030and one from EIA. And so if you net those two out, you can see what the increase is very, very, very small. Act 388, another state property tax revenues. Um, we're seeing, well, 3. 2 million dollar increase there. And the reason why that increases is state actually has to increase the pod by the CPI and the percent growth in the state. We get our share of it. Again, mentioned, we do not give a dollar for dollar reimbursement for property tax relief. No, that hadn't happened since the first year it happened. First year they passed that. But we are getting a slot increase or slot bump from that. State revenue continued career and technical education. 5. 2 million dollars. Now this one actually caught me off guard folks. So when they actually did a new state,
031aid the classrooms, they consolidated a lot of different funding sources that we had previously at risk students. We actually got money for at - risk students. It was a funding source for that. Um, another program. What the state has done this year. Is actually moved money our state aid to classrooms and put it back into EIA. So that is, they said, we're going to move all this money from EIA and make it we're into state classrooms. It gives you more flexibility. Well, somewhere along the license, no, we want to put this money back into career and technical education. 5. 2 million. So what we're going to end up doing, I'll mention this in a few minutes is that, um, we're actually going to fund some positions out of that. Cause that is money that normally
032would be in a state A declares. I just took the money out. State A Classrooms to put it into the EIA fun. EI Reading Coaches, we've been notified by the state that are going to fund the whole position. In the past, we only funded a point. Five position out of that. Four year old early childhood. This year was the first time we, the first year we did CERDAP. Okay. So we understood when we went and became assertive district that the four year old, the EIA money would go away. And that one point, basically about two million dollars went away at the EIA fund. However, state funded roughly about 5. 4 million dollars for the CERDAP program. So it did help out the district. We saw a slide improvement in general fund. And of course, title
033one was the actual big winner of that. And then lastly, eight eldeste revenue see a slot decrease of 323, 000 dollars. Federal revenue Title I decrease there. And the reason for the decrease is last year we budgeted, um, we had a budget carryover funds and the Care of Funds for next year is 648, 000 dollars left. While we see the slot decrease there. Likewise with IDA, which is individuals with education fund. We've actually seen an increase in our carryover. And it was approximately 747, 000 dollars, which makes up a lion's share of that 763. School lunch program, school breakfast program. Ori County Schools is still a hundred percent CEP provider. And so these numbers are based on our food service staff based upon participation. And then other federal revenues, we see a slot decrease of
03494, 000 dollars. Other financing sources, transfer from debt service. This is the Educational Capital Improvement Sales tax for transferred from dead service to Campbell. 27 million dollars. Transfers from other funds. It's 1. 3. Lie share that is the EIA. Money I mentioned earlier. State A Classrooms. That actually goes in the EIA and we transferred over to the Gerald Fund. So we saw a decrease over there in state revenue. We're going to see a decrease here in the other financing sources. Indirect calls slide increase 259, 000 and another. Decrease of 815 dollars. So what's included for 2026, 27, and we're looking at all funds. So we proposed to begin to increase the beginning teacher salary. To 54, 138 dollars. Currently we're at 52, 562. We also plan to increase the beginning support staff hour rate to
03516 dollars in 50 cents an hour Currently we're at 1577. How do we get there on the support staff? Well, all support staff scheduled to receive a 25 cent per hour increase. On top of that, all eligible employees were received. That's how that math works. And additional employees. Will receive at 1. 6 salary increase or a step increase. So that's compensation. What's new for the general fund? Well, we just mentioned some of these as well point 25 per hour increase for support staff. That's roughly about 949, 000 dollars at price tag on that. And again, these costs include benefits, includes retirement and social security. 1. 6 percent salary are step increase. 7. 8 million. Restructure supplements and stoppings. That was one of our priorities for this year. And as additional cost of 173, 000. And
036then salary benefits adjustments from a prior year. It was a little less than 800, 000 dollars. Looking at staffing. Were proposed in 27 new flex teachers for next year. Call us to that is 2. 9 million. Also asking for a grant writer. And of course we mentioned about, you know, we feel like a grant writer of more than pay their way. Funding change and career technical education. So this by moving us positions out the general fund to the EIA fund, I'm able to save roughly about 5. 2 million. So that's what I'm doing to use those additional funds at the state gave us. Savings from CERDE. Mission that earlier we were actually by changing over to CERDEP. We were actually able to save 726, from doing that. I think we estimated when we first started
037looking at somewhere around 800, 000 dollars. But it still substantial amount. District Office, non - personnel academic programming. Proposed 3. 4 million for that. Um, we've spoken detail about that during our workshop. Mid - year strategy support K3 literacy development. Mr. Jones hit on those. That's some of the things that we went back to the board during mid - year and asked for. That's not her thousand dollars. Substitutes, it's one of those calls to keep going up. So we're asking for additional 1. 3 million just to keep pace from what we're actually spending. Charter school support as a sponsor of charter schools. I do get a portion of our revenue. And as our revenues go up, they're sharing with a gift to them goes up. So we're anticipating another 530, 000 dollars. And in service
038contracts, now the fixed costs is roughly about 1. 3 million dollars. Gin was new. Leadership pipeline. This is something we're real excited about grow in our own. And this would be working in conjunction with HR and learning services. StrategicSlicensor and GDIS mapping. We've done all but two schools. We'll probably be doing those finishing up with those very soon. We're just waiting on the cards. But there is an annual fee for that. 465, 000 or 466, 000 dollars I will share with you, though, there is conversation at the state level that they're trying to pass this law or pass a provisor that would require all school districts to have some type of similar system. Or a county schools. Again, always one step ahead of the game. I hope they pass it. They say they said roughly
039they may be money for or one representative said, but no one said anything about funding it. So it might be another unfunded mandate. But if there does come in, then hopefully we can maybe all set some of these expenditures that they do eventually pass that. Special education bus monitors. That's something we added several years ago. Um, again, the cost due increase. And so we're asking for another 240, 000 for that. Budget reductions central office. Roughly there's a decrease around 2. 6 million dollars. And I believe we decrease summer neighborhood of 45 different budget packages. If I recall correctly from our workshop. Okay. What's new general fun. One time safety vehicle. And I got to explain this. So last year we had two safety vehicles is one time expenditure. And they were roughly around 92, 000
040dollars. All right. Well, we kind of renegan a little bit. We want not to cut two of them. But we do want to add one more. So when we look at our driver's Ed cars, they're kind of old. And that's kind of the vehicles that they're driving. So we're asking, let's add one back. And so that's why you see the decrease not 92, 000 dollars. Mr. Prince did say last year that we would, uh, decrease that we could do away with the modular leases of 495, 000. And that is an absolute decrease there. And then lastly, what we call one time is the bonus for attendance. Um, we're still working out the details for it, but it's roughly around 3 million dollars for that. So when we look at the general fund only, there are
041columns here. First column is 24, 25. This is our audited actual. Just want to focus on what is yellow. Last year, we had a surplus. In our general fund of 10. 2 million dollars. Next column over is our current year approved budget. And this is the budget where the Board approved for us to utilize 31. 9 million dollars in fund balance to balance to budget. The next column over is when I put my crystal ball and my wizard's hat on. And folks, I am conservative. Okay. So at this junction of game, I'm projecting a decrease in fund balance of 4. 6 million. It'll probably be better than that. Okay. But I'm just going to give you my worst case scenario based upon what I could project. And then next year is our proposed budget. And
042this were, as Mr. Jones said, we proposed to utilize 27. 2 million to balance to budget out of fun balance. You can see the after we take consideration of our minimum fun balance requirement. We still have 34. 6 million dollars that is available for other board initiatives. This is above and beyond our minimum fund balance designation. Overview debt service. We got three issues, folks. There used to be a bunch of those when I first started here. And so you see we have one. It's a 2022 33. 2 million, which is a refunding of a 2012A balance at 6. 30 26 is 17. 2 million. The bonds that we issued to fund the 2024, 29 capital improvement program was 225 million dollars. The balance of it on it. At 630, 2026 is 172. 2 million. And
043we recently refunded some issues of 2015 A and B of 49. 3 million. So our current debt outstanding is 238. 7 million dollars. After we're making principal and interest payments of principal payments to balance on 630 27 will decrease to 186. 6 million. But here's the thing I want to share with you. The Board, I really think the Board for their vision. Think about this. In March of 2030, that 225 million dollar bond will be paid off. Think about the schools we built, the renovations. I wish I'm more, I wish my mortgage would work like that. And then after we paid off, guess how much is outstanding. Because that top one's going to be paid off at 13 million. It's going to be paid off. So if we don't issue any debt, we will be
044debt free in 2031. Debt free. And that is something really to be proud of. So I set you up for your next building program. For the next five years. So congratulations on that. Review capital programs. Again, these are expenditures that we expect or anticipate for next year. The course at the top of the list is a new elementary school for St. James area. Bobby's fun. I want you to say this too. A lot of these funds have been encumbered. Okay. There's some large encumbrances. For St. James Area Elementary School. Renovations to enter high school. That's a project that we're currently working on now. And I anticipate that will carry over to next year. Uh, same as what Carolina Forest High School, Daisy Elementary and Myrtle Beach High School. Um, tennis court replacements. We got a
045huge encumbrance out of that as well. And I expect they pay those bills in July and August as well. Next you come up with our annual CEP annual projects. Start with athletic improvements. Annually it's 5 million capital administrations, 2 million capital improvement projects. 25 million. I think Mr. Birch at our last cities meet and came up with a plan. I think he spent all of it about 25, 000 dollars. So those plans are in place for next year. Emergency repair 1. 8 million miscellaneous equipment 2. 2 security upgrades. 4 million 50, 000. And then technology of 15 million, 950, 000. And then contingency, you know, we said current, we have money left over from interest reserve contingency. We also collected more sales tax last year than we anticipated. So as part of our contingency, other
046projects were doing a renovations to welcome elementary school. I expect it to last into the next year as well. We have current capital improvement projects. We're finishing current technology initiatives. Continuously for future ERP. System upgrade, ERP is inercized, enterprise, the resource planning. That is our computer system for HR and for Finance. And secure school security upgrades, a 16 million dollars. Now here's what I really want pressed the point. Most of those funds, that 16 million dollars of ballots. Those monies are encumbered. We're waiting for the work to be completed. So that is not like it's money sitting out there to be used for security projects. That money has actually been encumbered. So what's next in a budget approval process. Uh, talked with Mr. Edwards. And we're going to have a Finance Committee meeting next on
047the May 18th. And then at the Board meeting, we'll ask you to give preliminary approval. To the 2026 Superintendent Comprehensive Budget. We'll publish by law notification of a public hearing in a newspaper. Went to do that 15 days prior to the actual public hearing. So it'll be in a newspaper on May 21st. And then hopefully we can have the public hearing and final approval of the 2026 Superintendents Comprehensive Budget on June 8th. And lastly, so if you recall, last year, what were parties. Begin the Implantation of a zero - based budgeting process. We did that. We looked at H. R. and we looked at learning services. The other thing was to review supplements and stipends. We did that as well. Spot Mr. Jones, I spoke. One of the things we want to look at is
048review special education. And other big one is substitutes and attendance. Those are two big ticket I was we planted dwelve into the next year, the next year. So if there's any questions, I'll be happy to answer. Mr. James and Ms. Winters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Gardner, first of all, I want to commend the staff for putting together a truly comprehensive budget. I think it accomplished a tremendous number of the objectives that we had asked for. Also commend you on taking the philosophy of zero - based activity in your budgeting. I think it's yielding the benefits that we wanted to see. I'm also extremely excited to hear that in five years, 2031, we can be debt three. So as we look at our next wave of building projects, and the plenty to say graceover, I
049think we're well positioned for that. Just one question. When you look at the debt on page 19, you talked about, uh, you know, it's a certain number. What percentage of our total maximum funding allowable is that. Great question. Uh, and I have to get back with you because we do have what they call by constitution. We can issue up to a percent of our SS value. Right. But you have to, and you do not have to consider referendum debt, which are the ones that are not in blue. So, and that was another key thing we want to do. We didn't want to have to go out to the voters for a referendum issue debt. So we wanted to pay off this eight percent bond. And so I will get back with you on that number
050because I don't have off top of my head, but it's several millions of dollars. Okay. Thank you. The reason I'm asking these questions is while we have a significant overabundance on our non - designated fund balance, I think the reality is we're going to face increased costs for raw products. You know, petroleum based everything is going up. So we just need to have that flexibility in the budget. Yes, sir. Thank you. Mr. Winters, then Mr. Edwards. Thank you, Mr. Gardner. Along with your staff. For this, um, excellent packet. I was looking through my, um, email. I did not see these particular slides. In our packets. Can we get those as a board member, please? Yes, ma'am. We'll make sure you have this. I didn't see it. You did? I must have overlooked it. All right.
051Thank you. Mr. Edwards Ms. Graham. Mr. Gardner, I appreciate your presentation of the facts here of and Mr. Jones's budget here that he's, he's worked through. And he's done what we've asked him to do, I think. And I'm, I'm tremendously proud that we've got a 4. 6 million dollar reduction. In our total budget of our fund balance. From last year to this year projected. And I think we're heading into the right direction towards having a balance budget. Ms. Edmonds. No, Ms. Graham and Mr. Edmonds, I beg your pardon. Thank you. I have a question on slide 12. About the increases in salaries. And support staff is going to get a 25 cents per hour increase. Okay. Will they also get the three percent of their eligible? Yes, ma'am. Okay. And the everybody, the persons who
052get the 1. 6 percent salary are stepped. They're also getting the three percent. Yes, fam. So if you're a support staff employee, you will get a 25 cent per hour increase. You'll get a cost of living increase. And you'll also, if you worked enough days. You'll get the step increase. Okay. Cause I was going to ask what an eligible employee is. What makes you eligible or ineligible? Well, for state guidelines for a teacher, for example, they had to work 182 days to get one year of experience. If they work less than that, then they didn't ugh you a year experience. And your experience considered to be a step increase. And we kind of. Follow something similar with other employees. Good. I ask you something right there before you move on. Because we have a substitute.
053We keep increasing the amount that we're paying for substitute. So in those 152 days, for example, if they had a lot of substitutes in that time, would that make them ineligible. If they extended, if they weren't less than 152 days, then they would not be eligible. Okay. What was that? Mary said that they have approved leave and all that. Then they would still be as well. It depends upon their very circumstances. But as a general rule, the employee has to work at least 152 days to be eligible. For a year of service credit. Thank you. Mr. Edmonds. Thank you so much. Um, John, the holiday bonus, the way I understood that you guys said is implemented into the annual budget now. Yes, ma'am. So it'll be an ongoing recurring. Item. Is that right? Mr. Joe's
054going, Dress. Yeah. So some Ms. Edmonds, thanks for catching that. We need to see if this works. Okay. So what we're saying is we're going to have a budget of three million dollars to try to increase attendance. In our organization. Right. We will come back to the Board during budget times to say, Hey, this three million dollars here's how we spent it. Here's the result it had. If it doesn't have the results as a superintendent, I've got to figure out a different way to increase intendance. Right. If it does, then we'll bring it forward. And that's why we're calling it a one time. Because we got to come back and show you the return on that investment. Right. So you've selected three million dollars. As the attendance bonus. So this will not be related. There'll
055not be a holiday bonus then. That's correct. Okay. Attendance bonus. And that equates to the steps. Everybody gets a different amount because of the steps and all or is it? So we haven't. That's right. John and I've been on this. The big picture. Sure. We're going to knock that out in plenty of time well before the school year starts over the summer. We'll give people the rules unlike the state who often tells you the rules once the year's over. Right. We're going to come ahead of time. Um, and, uh, the reason it's an attendance bonus and not a holiday bonus. I have to be clear to all employees. This is what all employees will be eligible. We need you at work. Yep. Right. If you're a teacher, I need you in front of kids. If
056you work in payroll, I need you to go doing payroll. Right. There's not a sub for payroll. Right. So I need you to go be here and do your job. Um, and that's what this three million dollars is about. Okay, and that's cool because it should offset if it works well. The amount we're paying for substitutes. As a partial, it should. Right. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. And John, my question would be in years past, we often had to wait until we got our budget from the state. Have we gotten that? We have got, we're working off the house ways and means version of it. It actually went to the full house. They didn't change it very much. Um, Senate hadn't really tweaked it that much. So everything I've heard from our folks that our
057colleagues said it's pretty much going to be similar to what we've got here. I don't, the lot of times what happens is the house they meet with the house. And then the revenues and fiscal affairs office don't meet with the Senate and they'll give them, oh, we got some additional money, which makes the Senate happy so they can use that extra money for their niches. Well, when they update them, they did not change the revenue estimates. So they're, they're kind of stuck with where they're at. So, uh, Mr. Cox, I don't anticipate any major changes from the state level from what we've got here today. Okay. I know in years past, it oftentimes was a big deal. And then they would come back and the funds we were going to dip into. We didn't have
058to and actually increase that. Is this what you're. Yes, I think that basically what we're sharing with tonight, I think it's pretty much where it's going to end up this year. Okay. They're focusing on a couple other issues. Again, like the strategic piece of it, um, paid perennial leave is something that's being discussed. So there's all types of other topics that are taking their energy. At the state level. Thank you. Ms. Hodges and then Mr. Edwards. So Mr. Gardner, we received a decrease in funding for at risk programs. But an increase in EIA funding, which is used for at risk, but it's more focused on literacy. Yes. Correct. Yes. Well, massages to analogy I gave you is a couple of years ago. Well, I'm trying to figure out how long we've been on this new
059funding formula. But when they established it, there were several EIA initiatives that were funded out EIA. One of them was at risk students. And what they said, we're going to roll that up into at state aid the class ramps. And then there was like teacher salary supplement was one of them two. There was a separate line. And the EIA budget. I said, no, we're going to roll this up to state aid to classrooms to give you more flexibility. And that's what they've been doing for the past several years. What changed this year though is they went backwards. They said, okay, now we're going to add an EIA program, i. e. technical education. Which is one they've never done before. So that's what I was trying to explain is that they done something that they've never,
060that they try to consolidate. And now they're breaking things out. Which is totally odd to me from what their initial premise was about flexibility and local school district. So has that caused us to incur any laws with our at - risk programs. Um, and as far as positions. No, ma'am. Not with the at - risk thing. Because the at - risk piece of it is actually funded out the general fund. And we include it basically with the state aid to class funding source of it. And we say at - risk, okay. So let's go back a little bit. When COVID ended, and we had all those positions reading and math interventionists, which we consider at - risk physicians, the Board elected to continue those. And so we do continue, we continue to fund this. So
061there has not been any decrease on support that we give here at the District for At - Risk students. Mr. Holliday. Okay, that was my concern because I know that our formula is state controlled, and I'm just want us to be cognizant of the sustainability of this for the future for our at - risk students. One of the variables that also goes into this is that the federal government also includes some federal resources related to Title I have the same names as some of our state are formerly state consolidated before it consolidated terms. So there are some Title I positions that share these names. And those are typically only yearly funded per year based on different plans. If I'm sitting as a member of the public right now, I'm totally confused because I heard state
062funding, local funding federal funding. Oftentimes with the same type of position. Right? Um, and that's just really hard. It's really hard to break apart, understand. It's unfortunate that the state tried to do this. Hey, we're going to consolidate all our funds into the state aid. And then they've started. To go back on what they said, because it just creates confusion. But the state did double the reading coaches from a house to one. That's correct. That's correct. That's correct. Which is great. And so I just want to make sure that we're able to keep up with all the at - risk students and the programs that we have, because this year, you know, it was a reassessment years as far as the tax perspective. And even though taxes were not increased, it was properties where we
063assessed and the values went up tremendously. So we will not have that to rely upon next year or the following year. So I just want to make sure that we're able, even with our, I mean, we have 147 students coming in. If we lose students to other schools, to charter schools, do we see a major negative that will impact this current budget. Great question. Uh, number of students served has an impact. It's one of the values in the state anti - classrooms. So they do factor that in there. So in the charter schools are actually counted. Our charter schools that we recognize. They are actually in our formula. We get state aid for those as well. So yes, if they decrease there, or if we have regular students leave this year's budget, John, our next
064year. Like, will they decrease the 26, 27 budget, or will they show up on the state aid in the 27 to 28 budget. Well, they're always trued up on the 45th day and hired 35th day. So they would show up in that current cycle. Okay, thank you. Mr. Edwards and Mr. James. Mr. Gardner, I have one more question in regards to the 27 flex teacher positions. Um, those will be across elementary, middle, and high school, correct? Yes, sir. Those are for those schools that are identified recently in a supervised some additional instructional supports at those schools. Mr. Gardner, I wanted to piggyback off of what Mr. Cox was mentioning about. We're nearing the end of the legislative session, Vated Annes, May 14th, roughly 10 days. So there's no anticipated unfunded mandates. Is that safe to
065say. Well, again, they were talking about the, um, the security notification that the strategic type of platform. Don't know exactly where we're asking to end. However, since we're already doing that, it should not have a negative impact on us. It could possibly have a positive impact if they do find funding for it. So that's a positive out of that. The paid for real leave. Possibly could have a negative impact. Okay. I was kind of thinking on that one. So, um, if we had to implement paid parental leave, what would be the forecast on that. We have got down deep in those numbers, but they, I mean, they're talking about extended from six weeks to 12 weeks. Okay. So that could be a significant unfunded mandate that could occur this year. Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you.
066Mr. Rickett. Mr. Gardner, I'm just trying to make sure that I understand what we're doing for support staff next year. That's very important. So if we're going from 1577 to 1650, that's 4. 6 percent. Which is what everyone is getting with the way I get there is I've increased the support staff salary by 25 cents. Already write. Okay. And then multiply it times three percent cost of living. So that gets me from 1577 to 1650. That has not included to step or anything. Yeah. Okay. So that goes up. And that's a, the difference between the two is about 4. 6 percent in there. And the 25 cents that we're giving them per hour, uh, cost us, uh, listed a million dollars, 949, 232. And we have 1936 classified employees according to your book here. So
067we're giving them all about, uh, 490 dollars a year. Which is about two dollars and a half a day if they're 190 day employee. Which I just want to make sure we're clear, because if we're, if we're addressing the problem that they're having and living in Ori County, that's not very much. And, uh, when I looked at that number, I was a little shocked that, uh, that are classified when 1936 people, uh, are getting, uh, pittance. And I heard this last year, even with the percent increase that we gave them. Uh, and then insurance from the state went up and some of them ended up making less. Uh, it's just something we need to be aware of because these people are essential in our schools. Essential, they keep them clean. They feed our children. They
068drive our bus all of these things that are there. There are a lot of them are teaching reading in our elementary classes. I've been there and seen those classroom aides. And those are the ones that I end up finding, uh, helping me at Belk and working at the grocery store and those kind of things. We do want the very best people. That we can get in the classroom with our children. And we cannot keep them there if they cannot live on what we pay them. And we don't disagree with you at all, Mr. Rick. It's in fact, um, Mr. Jones and I were taught we're trying to get to take steps to get there. So we can't do it all in one year, but we do have a plan tried to increase the rights over
069time. One of the things I want to be able to bring the board in the community is the differentiated pay structure based on time of experience. Moving the 25 cents per hour from 1577 to 1650. I want to be able to show the board how many, what percent of the 1900 employees are making that. And how many, what percent of employees are making more than that based on their per hour. Because that's the starting point, right? And we have a number of people at the starting point, just the nature of these jobs, right? So it is, it is front loaded. Um, but that's not where everybody is either. I had one other question. Mr. Gardner. And last year when we worked on beginning teacher salaries, we received a printout of how it would affect the
070entire teacher salary in the district. Well, we get that same information this year. So we see how we rank across the board for all of our teachers. We can provide that. I think that's it, John. Thank you. Okay. Nick, uh. Ms. Scott, consider national competition funding request. Good evening, Chairman Cox. Vice Chair Wellens Board members and Mr. Jones. In the materials provided for you for our meeting tonight, you received a special consideration for national competition funding. On behalf of St. James High School and principal Ryan Poston were bringing this request for your special consideration since the total cost of the national competition is over 10, 000 dollars. You may have at this time. How much of the race of our total cost of the trip is 16, 086 dollars so far. Members. Um, they are
071going in July 6th through the 10th Washington DC. It's seven students and two teachers. And just as in the past, if you want to email me, I can work with Amanda if you want to use any of your discretionary funds. Thank you. I'm going to do it now, man, to give them a thousand dollars out of my discretionary fund. Thank you Chairman Cox. I'll forget. Okay. Next Mr. Jones, your report. Well, great Chairman Cox Vice Chair Wellens. Members of the Board members of our community. Good evening again. And tonight I'd like to start with a brief update. On something I'm passionate about. And that is hashtag rise with reading. I'm going to throw some data at you, some new data. Rise with reading continues to build strong momentum across Ori County schools as we pursue
072our goal of 95 percent of students reading at or above grade level by 2030. This quarter alone. Our students have read over 61. 9 million pages. That's right. Geez. With 15, 458 students reaching the rising reader status. And 9, 164 earning the cliff climber recognition. And those are two to three times X the number of pages that we asked them to read. So those are overachievers and they should be recognized for their accomplishment. Beyond the numbers we're seeing a true culture shift. Reading is becoming more visible, more celebrated, more consistent in our schools and communities. From classroom practices, grounded in the science of reading to events like literacy under the lights. I'm especially proud to share that every cluster in Ori County schools has hosted a reading under the lights event this year. And the
073level of community support at these events is truly inspiring. A key driver of this progress is our investment in teacher's knowledge through letters training. Language essentials of teaching, reading and spelling. We currently have drum rule 567 teachers who have completed both volume one and two. By the end of this year, which is like five weeks away. We anticipate 902 more teachers will have fully completed their letters training with an additional 246 completing volume one. Those are the ones who just started this year. This work is strengthening not only reading stamina. Not only vocabulary, as we heard from our students in the video, but it's also impacting comprehension. And it is uniting our students, our staff, our families and our community. Around a shared purpose. And that is rise with reading is not just an initiative.
074It's what's good for kids and it's who we are as a district. It's our value. And I'm really proud of it. And so those were some stats I wanted to share tonight. It's also important that I move on to the employee appreciation month. So let's talk about the essential employees. Tonight I want to take a moment to recognize something that doesn't always show up in the data. Sometimes you miss it in the standards, believe it or not, or the reports, the OEs or the results reports. Because we're in the people business here in Orey County Schools and the heart of everything we do. Is our employees. May as an employee appreciation a month and across Ori County schools that appreciation runs deep. It lives in early mornings when bus drivers, great students with a smile.
075In the quiet preparation of classrooms, before the first bill. In the patience of a teacher reaching one more student before the end of the day. And in the countless behind the scenes efforts that keep our schools running every single day. Our employers, employees are more than just the titles or roles that they have in our buildings. They are mentors. They're problem solvers. They're encouragers. And more importantly their difference makers. They show up not just to do a job, but to make an impact. They carry the responsibility of shaping lives and they do it with their heart. They do it with resilience every day. And unwavering belief that our students are great. As Superintendent, I'm grateful for them. And I'm proud to serve them in this role. But I'm proud of the way our support staff
076and pours into our children. I'm proud of the way that we support each other. In difficult times and celebrations. And I'm proud of the culture that this team is building together. We model that and we show that outwards and it's seen and noticed. One culture, our culture is where people feel valued. They feel seen and they feel supported. To every member of the HCS team from your superintendent. Staff and all that it served with me. Thank you. Thank you for your commitment, your compassion. And your excellence on behalf of kids. You are the reason this district continues. To rise. And tonight we celebrate you. Thank you. Let's give them a round of applause. At this time I'd like to call Ms. April Scott back up for recognitions. Good evening. I'm happy to share two celebrations
077with you tonight. All right. Congratulations to Savannah Basil. A senior at HCS Early College High School. She's been named the Youth Volunteer of the Year for the 2026 South Carolina Governors Volunteer Awards. These awards are presented annually to celebrate the vital role that volunteers play in advancing South Carolina communities. Savannah volunteers approximately 30 hours each month supporting individuals with disabilities through programs like Grand Chain Miracle League and Special Olympics. Serving is a one - on - one buddy she creates inclusive environments where participants filled valued, confident, and connected. Her consistency, compassion, and leadership reflect the next generation of change makers shaping stronger, more inclusive communities right here in Ori County. The next celebration is Ori County School of Academy High School. They have received one of this year's Palmetto's Finest Awards. This prestigious award recognizes
078schools that offer excellent instruction and outstanding leaders augmented by strong family and community involvement and is supported business community. Most years, the award is given to no more than four schools. One elementary, one middle, one high, and sometimes one special program school. Congratulations to principal Norman McQueen and everyone in Ori County Schools and at HCS Scholars Academy who helped them become one of Palmetto's Finest. And now we have a video to share with you capturing the announcement of Scholars Academy High School as Palmetto's Finest. To announce our special category winner. The winner of the Special Cater in Palmen Spino is. H. County Schools, scholars, Academy High is awarded the South Carolina's Palmetto's finest award. We are supported, we give opportunities for students to do many things. Scholars Academy is just one of those things, but
079it's great that the state now knows what a County Schools is doing. These kids, this staff, they're phenomenal. They work so hard every single day. So proud of them. This award showcases schools across the state throughoutstanding. And not just for student grades. It's about a lot more. That's test scores and things that you look at on paper. But the Palmettous Finest is not just about what you see on paper. It's coming in the building and seeing and meeting our kids and seeing what makes this place special and what makes it stand out across the state. These teachers and students say they're not surprised. They are incredibly proud of this accomplishment. We offer chanities that we are profunded with really, especially the college experience. That is pretty much free for us as long as we excel
080at our classes. And I think that's just very valuable to building the future. It's exciting. Um, for us to see them help each other. Tutor each other. Work together. Our kids come in as night craters in their doing middle school to college immediately. And what we do is we work as a team to help them build community because they're going to need each other for the four years that they're here. Here I get to know everyone and I get to know people really well. And that's, I think that's the beautiful thing of like all 219 of us know each other. That working as a group is how we've gotten to where we are. April Scott HCS is executive director of high schools. Has a daughter who attended and graduated from Scholar's Academy and knows how
081hard the staff, the teachers and the students work. They leave their base school areas, which is a big jump, right? Uh, a leap of faith to come and try something different. Um, to push themselves to be a part of college early, uh, in high school. And so it's a very rigorous school, special school, um, with a heart for kids and pushing students to go farther than they have ever imagined. Ory County School Superintendent and Board members came for the announcement and to celebrate this huge honor. Thank you for your diligence. Thank you for your hard work. This is an honor you'll never forget. Said we're very proud of you. It's something that really reflects your core values, but also reflects the outcomes that you're making for kids related to those values. So I salute the
082staff and the leaders here at HCS Scholars Academy because it's because of you and the belief in the students here that today we are how Meta's Finest. For more information about Ori County Schools, just La Gondory CountySchools. net. Chairman Cox that concludes our recognitions for tonight. Thank you Mr. Jones. Now we need a motion to move into executive session. Mr. Chairman, I'll make a mission that we move to executive session for the purpose of Student Appeal and Discussion of Personnel Metters. Thank you. Second. Second. Favorite say aye. Aye. None will be back. Hello there. You children? My gosh. They have your teaching, please. I'm sorry that took so long, but we had a lot to talk about. I need a motion to move back in. Well, first of all, somebody have say something. Yes, Mr.
083Chair should be noted during our executive session. No votes were taken and no decisions were made. Thank you so much. Make a motion to move back into business. Second on the first day aye. Now we need a motion to move into a special gold meeting. So moved? Second. One favorite say aye. Aye. Next is consideration of a student appeal. Ms. Hudges. Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion to rule on the written record and uphold the District Appeal Board's decision based upon our review and consideration of the written record regarding the Student's Appeal. I make the motion to uphold the District of Peel Board's decision for the Student to be assigned to SOAR Academy. Second. All the favorite say aye. Aye. Okay, now I wonder where that was going. It's on the board
084now. That thing needs to be clear. Yes, clearly that, please. Okay, let's start. Out. We've got a motion in a second. Now we need to vote on the second. Please vote. Okay. That's for proved. Thank you so much, Ms. Arges. Now let's move on to Mr. Jones. You have a recommendation? Yes, sir. I have two recommendations tonight. The first Chairman Cox Virwellins and members of the Board. I would like to recommend M. Yolanda Bell for the chief of staff position effective June 15, 2026. Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the Superintendent's Recommendation. Second, okay. Please think of what she's done. So excited. All right, that's unanimous. Thank you, Mr. Jones. I'm having one more Mr. Cox. What is that? And that is, I'd like to recommend Mr. James Kratzer. For the principal position at lowers
085elementary. Move to approve Mr. Chairman second. Unanimous, thank you Mr. Jones. Mr. Girette. Four members, this was presented a previous meeting, OE9, which is communicated with the public. I'm available if you have any questions in reference to it at this time. Any questions. Commissioner to approve. Motion. Either second. Okay, please vote. Thank you. Mr. Prince. Good evening Chairman Cox, Vice Chair Wellens. Board members Mr. Jones. At our last meeting, we reviewed the quarter one OE 13 Facilities Reports. There have been no changes since that meeting. Moved to approve. Second. Okay, please vote. Thank you, Mr. Prince. Mr. Watchburn. Thank you Chairman Cox. Good evening. Vice Chair Wellens Board member Superintendent Jones. At your previous meeting, we provided the information for your consideration regarding the reauthorization of local approved elective courses for the 2026 - 27
086school year. If you have any questions, I'll be trying to answer for you now. Any questions? Motion to approve. Okay, thank you. Please vote. Thank you Mr. Wadsford. Mr. Gardner. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm what share before you is a consideration of war and a contract for auditing services. The committee met. Have recommended the firm of Malden and Jenkins for a five - year period. Motion to a prayer. Second. Second. Okay, thank you. Please vote. Thank you, Mr. Gardner. Okay, HES Education Foundation Appointments. What does that mean? Does anybody have any questions? Anybody have any appointments? Anybody have any appointments. Okay. Never mind now. Next, the consent went in a motion. Turn move. Second. Thursday aye. None. Do we need a most injury. Don't forget your survey. Surveys.