Kirkwood School District Board of Education Meeting - May 18, 2026

001Okay, I'd like to call this meeting to order. Miss Andrews, can you lead us in the pledge? As we begin our meeting tonight, I want to take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Kathy Harris. Kathy was a 1974 graduate of Kirkwood High School who turned her love for this community into a lifetime of dedicated service. When she was elected to the Kirkwood School District Board of Education in 2001, she made history as the first African-American woman to serve on our board. Kathy served on the board until 2012, and she was an unwavering advocate for our students. And even after she retired from the board of education, she was always willing to lend a hand and volunteer her time in support of our schools. Kathy's legacy is woven into the very fabric of

002our district and we extend our gratitude for her service and our thoughts are with her loved ones. Please join me in a moment of reflection in her honor. Thank you, Miss Hiden. Do we have any public comments? All >> righty. I need a motion to approve the presented agend agenda for the May 18th, 2026 business meeting. >> So moved. Cambrews. >> Second. Pardon? >> All those in favor raise your right hand and say I. >> Motion passes. And now Dr. rumpus. We have a spotlight about our li library media centers. >> Yes. Thank you, President Motika and the board for allowing us to try something new tonight with a spotlight presentation to open our meeting. Um this is something we'd like to the board to consider um potentially doing more of next year and we'd

003like to talk about this summer as part of the board retreat. Uh we are incredibly fortunate here in the Kirkwood School District to have a talented and dedicated group of library media specialists serving the students of our district. um which was demonstrated just a little bit ago by the incredible honors and awards um that North Kirkwood Middle and the high school celebrated but which really exemplifies the incredible work by this group of professionals throughout the entire district. Additionally, as you know, we have dealt with significant legal challenges this year as we maneuver the ongoing um changing legal landscape as well as technology as it relates to resources and services in the district, specifically our library media centers. And what I learned um this year is that this group um are fierce advocates for what they

004believe is just and right for our students when it comes to books, access to books, and literature. Um and they are professional. Um they are caring, they are loving people, but like I said, they're also advocates and um continue through this evening to advocate for what they believe is best for our students. and I want them to know that um myself and the entire administrative team respect that and appreciate that and we know that's what's best for our students. So tonight we have them here um they have worked a lot with Dr. Grant of this team to problem solve throughout the year. Um and they're here to really celebrate a lot of the great things happening in our library media centers and the work that they're doing and I believe that they also have students

005that are going to help share some of that information. So I'm going to turn things over to Dr. Granite to introduce the team who is here tonight. >> Thank you Dr. Rumpus. Good evening to the board and to our community. Tonight we are proud to celebrate our North Kirkwood Middle School and Kirkwood High School Library Programs for earning the 2026 Desi Exemplary School Library Program Award. Um, the Desi Exemplary School Library Program designation is one of the highest honors awarded to public school library programs in Missouri and it recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional excellence in instruction, leadership, library environment, library management, and staffing. To earn this highly selective recognition, schools undergo a very rigorous evaluation process that includes submitting visual, narrative, and numerical evidence and are scored across 21 indicators in five core categories with

006exemplary programs earning at least 38 out of 42 possible points without receiving a zero in any category. So, congratulations to both our librarians and schools for earning this incredible honor. We also want um to recognize Kirkwood High School um as they also receive the Missouri Association of School Librarians outstanding program of the year award. Uh this recognizes school library programs that demonstrate excellence and literacy leadership, innovative teaching practices, collaboration with staff, technology integration, and meaningful impact on student learning and achievement. Winning programs are recognized as dynamic learning hubs that provide students with access to innovative technology, flexible learning spaces and scheduling, and engaging activities that inspire lifelong reading, inquiry, creativity, and research skills. Both the DESIE Exemplary School Library Program Award and the Missouri Association of School Librarians Outstanding Program recognition reflect the dedication and

007passion of our librarians, our teachers, administrators, and students who work together every day to create welcoming spaces where curiosity and learning thrive. So, congratulations on the incredible achievements and also the well-deserved recognition. We also proudly recognize our National Board Certified Librarian, Miss Jen Barton, for achieving one of the highest distinctions in the teaching profession. National board certification is earned through a rigorous performance-based assessment process that honors educators who demonstrate advanced subject knowledge, reflective instructional practice, leadership, and an extraordinary commitment to student achievement. So very proud of Miss Barton as well. So, lots to celebrate in our libraries, our schools, and ultimately in our communities. I am honored and excited to turn things over to one of our high school librarians, Mrs. Leatherberry, and really excited to hear from our students this evening as well. >>

008Good evening, Board of Education. We are the Kirkwood School District librarians, and we are thrilled to be here tonight to give an update on KSD's library media centers. The theme of this year's American Library Association National Library Month uh celebration was find your joy and we look forward to sharing the many joyful things happening in our spaces every day. We structured tonight's presentation around the Missouri Association of School Librarian or Masles um library program standards. These standards that you can see on the slide were created by librarians across the state to communicate elements of effective school libraries to stakeholders. Tonight we are also lucky to be joined by several students um who will help us illustrate how these pieces kind of come together to impact their educational experience. The first component is staffing. The role

009of school librarian is multiaceted encompassing more than just the role of teacher. In our buildings, we are instructional leaders and partners, information specialists, and program administrators. We want to be sure to shout out our wonderful support staff. Running a successful library program is truly a team effort. They shelf, take IP attendance, circulate, and repair books, bring our bulletin boards to life, and much more to ensure our spaces and programs run smoothly. Having adequate support staff is key because it fe it frees us, the librarians, up to use our expertise to teach lessons, collaborate with staff, and facilitate the many aspects of a quality library program you will hear about tonight. We're going to take turns sharing the components. So, if you'll bear with us as we kind of switch out and as the kids come

010up to share. Good evening. I'm Jen Barton. Um, and I'm going to talk about environment. So, our libraries are much more than just shelves of books. The KSD libraries incorporate classroom and teaching areas, casual seating areas, collaborative spaces, and areas for independent learning to ensure that our libraries are dynamic, adaptable spaces responsive to student needs. Uh, this slide features a sample of how we use our spaces to work for kids, such as flexible furniture on wheels, ride and read stations, casual seating, and story areas. Tilman and Westchester recently renovated their libraries, allowing these schools to host events like Battle of the Books and author visits that were not possible before the update. So now all of our schools are uh libraries are large enough to host those types of events. And now Abby will talk

011more about the impact of a calm environment. Oops. >> Hi, my name is Abigail and I'm a junior. Today I would like to talk about the library's environment and its impact on student productivity. One of the things I love about the library is its calming environment that allows me to complete my assignments without like you know the usual stressors or distractions. But providing a peaceful environment and an amazing space for focused study, the library serves as a vital place for students that find it difficult to focus at home or other public spaces. Features such as the read and write read and write stations that we talked about offer a productive way to students to take mental breaks which leads to students being able to focus better. In conclusion, I think the KHS library is more

012than just a place filled with books. I think it's an important place and like a foundation for students uh well-being and academic success. Um all students have access to digital resources like Destiny Discover, Gail, and Sora to extend their learning 247. KHS junior Kate Schwab was not able to join us tonight, but these are some of her words about digital access. She says, "Hi, I'm Kate Schwab and I am a junior. One of the most valuable aspects of the KHS library is all the resources available. I have been able to use databases such as Gale, World Book, and EPCO to research various topics. Additionally, our library also provides subscriptions to several new sources such as the New York Times, Atlantic, and the Wall Street Journal. These resources are available for all students and easy to

013navigate. Starting freshman year, our librarians teach students how to research as well. All of these resources are able to give all students reliable and quality information that will help us in high school and beyond. We love serving kids through our programming. Uh Kirkwood School District students have opportunities to participate in recurring consistent programming in our libraries like the Battle of the Books or peer tutoring in addition to special events such as author visits or KHS's April Caught You Reading program. Our students Emily, Ella, and Cece are here to talk about some of their favorite library programs. My name is Emily and I'm a sophomore. In our library, there is always one space I can count on, the maker space. Once I finished my work, I have the opportunity to create and try something new in

014this incredible environment. What makes it even more special, though, are the monthly home room events. From building creative projects to writing poetry, these activities offer something for everyone and bring students together. Whenever I walk into the maker space, I know I'll find a place which is full of creativity, energy, and possibility. Hi, I'm Ella Campbell and I'm a sophomore. And one of my favorite that we have at our library is the peer tutoring program which gives students the opportunity to help out their classmates. The library allows us to use their space for this activity which provides a quiet and easily accessible environment for all students. Also, our librarians pair the students with their tutors. It's a great way to help out other students, receive assistance on something that you're struggling with, and connect with your

015peers in a meaningful way. I like Battle the Books because it gives you the chance to read more books you normally wouldn't choose. It also gives you the chance to work with kids that aren't in your grade level. When we practice, it gives us the chance to play fun games like Cahoot and book it. The teams also do battles with different schools, giving us a friendly competition. I've been a part of battle the books for all three years. You can do and it has been a fun experience. I think I also want to do it in middle school. Hi, I'm Kristen from Robinson. Um, and I am going to talk about instruction, one of the most important components of any school library program. KSD librarians are educational leaders in our schools. Because we partner with

016so many different people, we are uniquely positioned to identify common instructional goals and opportunities for collaboration throughout our buildings. This slide features some of the ways that we've collaborated within our schools this year. For example, uh KHS librarians partnered with Dr. C's life skills classes to offer a variety of lessons focused on creativity and belonging. At Robinson, we collaborated with the fifth grade teachers on research skills. As a culminating activity, students presented their research in the library. Neifer engineering students competed in a KA planks challenge. And at NKMS, the library partnered with the math team on their marketing project and hosted their guest speaker. This is just a small sample of the many ways librarians partner with teachers to deliver content specific curriculum through innovative design projects, immersive storytelling, and authentic learning experiences that transform

017the library into a vibrant hands-on extension of the classroom. In addition to our own library specific curriculum and collaborative partnerships with KSD teachers, librarians also work to embed a variety of literacies into student learning experiences. For example, KHS hosted a series of activities for students to celebrate News Literacy Week. Elementary students across our buildings engage in traditional literacy activities like ReadAcross America Week, dress up like your favorite character day or design projects. All our libraries regularly highlight heritage months with displays, book lists, and activities to promote multicultural literacy. We work hard to ensure the library is a place where all students can see themselves reflected in stories. Librarians are also managers of their library programs which includes balancing administrative components such as schedule, budget, evaluation, collection and policies. In terms of budget, our building budgets

018are supplemented by funds from CNI, community organizations and donations and activities like book fairs. Our libraries operate under a range of schedule models. We continue to work to evolve our master schedules, ensuring every student benefits from a high impact collaborative environment. Mason and Luca are here to say more about library schedules. >> Hi, I'm Mason Tiffany. Uh I was a senior. I graduated this year. Um the library means a lot to me. Uh because outside of school, I don't have a ton of free time, whether I'm busy with work uh or taking care of my siblings. And so, uh, when I'm completely swamped, I go to the library and their flexible schedule helps me work on my assignments. Uh, it provides an amazing space, uh, to come in, uh, in lunch, home room, any free

019time, and just overall the flexibility provides me and other students like me ample opportunities to utilize the space. >> Hi, I'm Luca and I'm a sophomore. And one of the things that I really appreciate about our library is its flexible, open schedule. The library is pretty much open all hours of the school day and before and after it, too. So, it's very convenient for me to be able to make use of any of the resources provided by it whenever I need them. And I'm confident, for example, that I can get help at the tech desk if my computer's broken or get a new book whenever I feel like reading. >> KSD librarians manage a huge collection. Using collection analysis tools, we work hard to keep our library resources timely, relevant, and responsive to our students.

020You can see some highlights on this slide. It's our goal to support the reading experiences of students individual journeys. So, we purchase and promote award-winning titles and curate collections to support studentdriven inquiry. Hi, Brandy Frink from North Kirkwood Middle and the last component we'll cover tonight is leadership because our librarians are leaders in our schools community and beyond. KSD librarians offer a variety of professional development opportunities in their schools, including book clubs, newsletters, wellness sessions, training on new resource resources, and a lot more. In addition to providing PD, we also seek ongoing professional learning to help us hone our craft. We are grateful to the district for providing all KSD librarians with the opportunity to attend the American Association of School Librarians conference in October. Based on our learning, we created several action items, including

021the presentation we're giving right now. Uh and finally, effective school librarians are also strong advocates for their programs. We foster positive relationships that build essential networks of support within and across our schools. And Henry is here to talk more about the importance of community. Hey guys. So I'm Henry and I'm a freshman. So we all know that advocacy is really important. So at the KHS library, it is a vital aspect of the program. From the newsletters, surveys, and announcements to going out and actually visiting the elementary and middle schools, the library is always encouraging a love of learning. Personally, the outreach from the library has been immensely impactful on my growth as a reader. I'll be again to close it out. Um, we are grateful for the opportunity to share our library joy with you

022tonight and hope our annual library update can become a KSD tradition for years to come. We recognize and appreciate your service to our community, your dedication to our families, and most importantly, your advocacy to our students. Thank you. Thank you all of you librarians, students. This was fantastic. And I know I speak for the whole board when I just say thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This was great. And thank you for what you do for the kids every day. Okay. 5.01. I need a motion to approve the presented consent agenda items 5.02 through 5.12. >> So moved. Andrews. >> Second. Heard. >> All those in favor raise your right hand and say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. Now Mr. Cook 7.01 financial statements. I need a motion to approve the financial statements for

023April 2026 as presented. >> So moved. Andrews >> second Harding. >> It always hurts my feelings when everybody leaves financial statements. So I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. You could you can leave. I would leave too if I could. So well, good evening. It's good to be back after missing last month. Um operating revenues for April just under $3 million. uh pretty evenly split between local and state uh sources. Uh current tax revenue in April was $360,000. So we're at 95% of what we expected to get in uh local revenue. Uh we are still lagging behind in collection of of delinquent taxes and I'm sure that stands out as you as you look at the financial statements this month. So we're we're 223,000 in the hole for FY26. So last year at this time we

024had 73% of that money. Just a reminder, a couple of months ago, I I touched on what we heard from the county in regard to this. It is a reassessment year, uh, higher amount of taxes paid under protest than normal. So, when you pay those taxes under protest, they go into a separate fund that's held by the county until the state tax commission can finalize those and reclassify them back into normal uh uh tax revenue collected. So, we're we have $4 million almost 3.9 million sitting in an account of protest taxes. We received word uh that we should receive those before June. So, we're on track to receive those. I think that would probably push us over in delinquent taxes. We may end up actually collecting more overall than we expected to. Uh so, well

025before June is what I have in quotes from the county. So, we'll count on on that. uh prop Proposition C payments for FY26. We got our 10th one uh this last month. Desi reports that uh revenue is still meeting expected appropriation there. We're at 76% of what we expected for Prop C. Two payments to go. Uh so we we should be really close to what we uh had projected for revenue in that line. Um still still nothing from the county. Uh skipping ahead, no revenue from St. Louis County in April. Uh last year we got a big payment in April for state assess utility payment. Uh we're going to be watching for that in May. Everything seems to be just a little behind from the county. This year they changed software. They've got some turnover

026at the top there. So we're just uh anticipating receiving that hopefully in May. Be a little more nervous if I'm back here in May. We haven't gotten that payment from them yet at that point. Uh state revenues, I'm sure if you've been paying attention to the news, is a very volatile subject now. And I've got a lot to say about that both now and later uh in regard to the money that that the state is providing to our students here. So we received a little over 1.1 million in April. Uh we are now at 70% of that budget. Uh basic formula was down 245,000 uh in April from March. We had 431,000 uh payment in April. So state revenue again allowed for an SAT of 6,900. uh supposed to be paid on 7145. Uh our

027SAT locally is 1441 after subtracting local efforts. So we have been told to expect a maximum SAT this year of 6950. We're not going to hit 7145 for for FY26. Um we had budgeted for 7145 as you know and so we are expecting this to to cause about a $1.4 4 million shortfall in the current year uh budget from what we had expected to receive. Now that that sounds like a lot, and it is a lot, but it's it's 1.42% of our overall number uh in FY26. So, it's certainly not cataclysmic. We had a big cushion there uh that Mike had projected anyway. And so, uh I think what I would like to point out at this time though uh is it's not going to show up in just the basic formula line. You can

028see there that we're at 97% collection in basic formula for state money. So, we're actually probably going to come in above that. What what it seems happened is that we way underestimated uh our state money's revenue and vastly overestimated what we would get in classroom trust for this year's budget. So, it's really just semantics because that's all classified as one. But, as you look at those individual lines, we're at like 97% in one. But if you look down at classroom trust, we're at 46% there. So we're we're going to be way short in classroom trust and probably a little bit over in formula. I thought that might be confusing as you looked at those numbers. Um it looks just like an overestimation in one area and an underestimation in in another. So, uh, classroom trust,

029as you know, based on those gaming revenues, and that's gained a lot of, uh, media attention in the last few weeks as to the volat volatility and unreliability of those sources of revenue. We would be receiving $579 per ADA in classroom trust if we were at full funding. We're going to be more like 505. So, that's that's kind of that shortfall there. Um so that that's going to account for shortfalls both in FY26 and it's going to have a major impact on what we project for FY27 uh as well. Uh we're at 67% uh for federal revenues of what we were expecting there. They'll there'll be some title payments that we get in the coming weeks, I'm sure, and uh a couple of more reimbursements for meals as well. So we may have to evacuate

030soon, it sounds like in there. I'm not sure what's going on next door. Could be raining through in there. Um, that is not in the budget. We're going to have to eliminate woodworking, I think, at this point. If that comes Yeah, probably. Uh, I'm joking. I'm joking for everybody. We're not eliminating wood woodworking. April operating expenditures just over 7 million uh year-to- date expenditures uh representing 72.04% of what was expected. We were 75% this time last year. So, we're trending in a good direction when it comes to expenditures as well. Uh, 83% of the way through the year, a couple more months to go there. Uh, self-funded insurance balance continues to perform very, very well. Uh, revenues and um expenditures were more closely aligned this month, but we still added to the fund balance there

031in amount of 32,000 in April. So, last year at this time, we were down to 860,000. We're at 1.7 million now. So uh the increases in premiums we've had a healthier year as well. So I think uh those things both contributing to a solid year for that balance which it was in need of one certainly. Briefly legislative update uh we've used this time for that and and primarily around financial impacts but um I'm I'm going to save some of this budgetary discussion too for the later presentation. But uh thankfully not much made it across the finish line this year. We had an anti-semitism bill that will require districts to have anti-semitism policies uh required for districts next year. So certainly a positive change and a good thing there. Uh there was a bill passed in

032regards to Misha oversight. Uh but rather than a full takeover uh there will be an appointed board for appeals only. So uh that was a good compromise. the governor had been seeking and what uh school districts had advocated for. So, some oversight at the state level, but certainly not uh the proposal that had originally been made. And the third thing that made it across that I think will have an impact on schools moving forward is the income tax elimination bill. Uh that is something that still will become uh come before voters though. Um, so voters will be asked to replace Missouri's income tax, which is the state's largest source of revenue, uh, with broader sales and use taxes under a proposed constitutional amendment. Uh, not yet decided whether that will be on the ballot in

033August or November, but we can look for that in August or November likely that all voters will choose whether to eliminate income taxes and replace with more sales taxes uh, to offset that revenue. I I do think that the HG HR that made it across would require an offset of or an increase in sales taxes before income taxes can be reduced or there's this uh symbiotic relationship between those two things. That that's a win, I think, and and not just just eliminating taxes without some plan to to replace them. Things that didn't make it across uh open enrollment for the sixth straight year fell short. It didn't even make it to a vote this year. Uh the SSD opt out bill also did not make it and a myriad of property tax reform bills, some

034that we actually would have been fine with and and many that would have been detrimental. Uh none of them made it through as the House and Senate couldn't agree on anything at the end. And so I would expect all three of those issues to be right back at the top of discussion in addition to next session starting in January hashing out what the new formula will look like. So I think we've got u big news to come in regards to that as well. So uh that's that's all I had in regards to those. Happy to take any questions around any of those topics. >> Miss Andrews, >> um thank you for this. So when when you talk about the formula, will they be seeking any outside input? >> I I think that um yes, I

035I think that we will want to be playing an active role in making sure that our uh representatives and senators are well educated on the impacts locally for us in regards to the new formula. There is some encouraging news about perhaps some revenue to be contributed towards it. All along we've heard that the new formula would be based simply on a reallocation of what was already being put in, but uh we're hearing that maybe there is an opportunity for some new revenue to be added to that, which would be a win for everyone, districts all across the state. And so we we will want to play an active role in being educated about how it will impact us and then making sure that our folks who represent us are educated as well. >> Yeah. And

036then just another piece to the the whole um state um the SAT, you know, last year during budgeting we had some heated discussion about how much we should be budgeting. Um and I was a huge advocate for for not budgeting that that amount of money. And so I just want to make sure that we are being mindful of that as we're heading into the next budget cycle >> that we need to >> um you know because we're we're falling short. >> I and I I think we'll speak to that too in the preliminary budget presentation about uh >> projections around that that number. And there's two schools of thought there of of budgeting the full SAT amount and trying to hold folks accountable. Uh and and and that's I think the pathway that was taken

037last spring. So >> he thinks I'll save for the budget conversation. Thank you. >> Okay, >> Mr. Harding. I just had one revolving around the the state legislature getting rid of the income tax. Have they started kicking around numbers for what they're looking at the local taxes going up to to try to counterbalance >> the the rumor mill would put it at somewhere of 20% increases in sales and use taxes to offset that reduction in income tax. So, I I think that bears watching closely and there'll be all kinds of money spent on both sides over this summer uh around campaigns around that election. And so, we we would want to be well informed and make sure that our patrons are well informed about the potential impacts. There's no direct impact, but anytime general revenue

038has potential to be impacted, it's going to impact the formula in one way or another. And uh we rely heavily on Prop C, which is a a one or one cent sales tax. So I think as as those things get changed as well, Prop C wouldn't be changed, but as those others get increased, it it it just bears watching. Certainly >> interesting times. >> Yes, absolutely. Thank you, >> Dr. Hill. >> I do. You are you aware of what a constitutional amendment I'm not aware. I I I think it's a simple majority, but I I I have a feeling that my partner to my right will find us an answer really quickly. So, >> thank you, Mr. Cook. I'll save my questions for the next budget thing and um >> I'll I'll anxiously await. >>

039I'm sure you will. Yes. >> Thank you. >> You're not off the hot seat yet. >> That's right. Um, we need to vote on the motion to approve the financial statements for April 2026 as presented. Those in favor, raise your right hand and say, "I." >> I. Motion passes. Now, I need a motion to approve the two change orders for the North Kirkwood Middle School waterproofing project as presented. >> So moved. He burn. >> Second, Hill. So, I thought we could just take a field trip right now and go look at it if you guys want. It's just around the corner, but uh waterproofing is uh pretty important right now. So, what happened in regard to that project? Uh there was excavation all along the north side of that u of that gym and uh

040not really ever knowing what you're going to uncover as you excavate out around the the corner, which would be on the northeast end. Uh if you've ever walked over there, there's a stairstep crack that proceeds upward along that. Uh for years, engineers have told us that's not something to be concerned about. Uh and we've taken their word for it. And then as soon as it's ex excavated, there's a pretty substantial crack in the foundation on that corner. Uh so actually probably uh good fortune to have found it in this process because it's something that can be addressed and shorted up for future years. And and fortunately the uh the budget that was approved by the board back in February included a contingency which will cover the cost of both of these change orders. So we

041feel fortunate that number one it can be addressed and number two that we're not asking for more money just planning to spend the contingency that was included in that project and uh feel like that'll be able to be accomplished and shore that foundation up for years to come. So >> thank you. Uh, any questions, Dr. Hill? >> No. Thank you. >> All those in favor of approving the change orders, raise your right hand and say, "I." >> I. Motion passes. >> Thank you, Mr. Cook. And now we need a motion to approve the purchase of Benchmark Advance 2026 National Edition as presented. >> So moved. Harding. >> Second. Pepper. Do we have questions? All those in favor, raise your right hand and say, "I." >> I. Motion passes. Now we're moving on to reports. The

042wellness committee report. Dr. Bailey. by the way. So, joining me is Naan McClendon, who is also a very recent Kirkwood High School graduate, and she'll be talking a little bit about um mental health days, and I'll I'll turn that over to her when we get to that part of the presentation. Excuse me. Wanted to make sure that the board had an update around the wellness committee, the different purposes that we have, mental health days, give a review of our cell phone restriction updates, and just talk about some of the training and parent education options that have happened during the school year. Just a quick update that these are the areas that were implemented by the uh wellness committee this school year. We had parent nights where we had guest speakers come talk about the anxious

043generation, student anxiety. We also had staff training specific to student anxiety, school avoidance, ADHD. Uh we provided additional staff training around SEAL supports. And this year we completed a school health assessment and performance evaluation which will help us drive any future staffing needs uh within our wellness team around social emotional supports for our students during the school year. In addition, I've taken part in the castle uh fellows academy. Castle is kind of the gold standard for social emotional learning standards. um they are the ones that sp aligned with second step our curriculum that's provided to our students and through that I've gotten to connect with people uh all across the country and actually in different parts of the world to look at the ways that they're implementing social emotional learning um and I can say

044with confidence that we are ahead of the curve on that and doing very well in Kirkwood and so very proud of what we've done as well and the wellness committee actually reviewed uh recess and looked at the review of elementary recess schedules and provided input and feedback to other teams to be able to make decisions around that schedule process for our elementary students and the teachers. We also have some recommendations from the wellness committee for next school year where they want continued training for staff on recognizing and supporting student mental health, continued parent education options and presentations around things like vaping, drug prevention, um and continued work around mental health. And we were asked to bring back the anxious generation presentations uh that occurred as well. Within that, there's a phrase that's called more and

045better play. So, the wellness committee said to continue to look at ways to get students active, look at ways for them to be in um unstructured play situations, recess and uh project-based learning. And as Nvea will present, we we reviewed student mental health days as well and ways that we can address this and really uh formalize that for students to to recognize and normalize what mental health supports uh can be. So, just as a preview and then I'll turn it over to Nvea. Our current uh board policy has an administrative procedure and within that administrative procedure, it allows us to define what we would accept as an excused absence. Now, that doesn't mean that um we don't follow those excused absences and we wouldn't follow up with families who have tons and tons of excused

046absences, but an excused absence essentially is thank you for calling. We know why you're out. we know where you're at and we're going to make sure that we get your homework gathered and take care of any tests and make up things that are there. There are some reasons for excused absences that are there for legal purposes such as jury duty or military support and then some that are based on local decisions that a board can make or that an administration can make. Currently, uh we have a couple reasons that might pertain to mental health that are within our excused absence list. Illness or injury of a student with written or phone call notification from a parent or absence due to mental or behavioral health concerns with written documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating

047the student is not able to attend school during due to such concerns. The challenge with number two is that would require a student to get professional um evaluation during that time or to be a part of an evaluation that is done by a licensed clinical psychologist or a licensed social worker. And not everybody has access to that level of support um or access to that level of medical intervention. The top one really is probably already happening whenever students are just not feeling like they can attend school. We're just calling in sick. Um but Nvea will present a very compelling research that she's done and and information about student mental health days. So I'll actually turn it right over to you. >> Yes. My name is Nva McClendon and as of this year I am a

048graduated senior from Kirkwood High School heading to Alabama&M University to study psychology on the premed track for my future. And today I will be speaking to you all about the possibility of a proposal of excused mental health days at Kirkwood High School. So why am I here? As I just mentioned, I have actually already graduated. Yet to me this is so important. I felt like I should come back one more time to share this with you all. So, I have at growing up as a gifted kid, I've struggled with mental health all my life. Everyone's heard of the imposttor syndrome at least once or twice. And going to the gifted class my freshman year, a lot of those students deal with it every single day. In addition to that, I am dedicated to success, my

049personal one, as well as just upholding success and my personal expectations for myself within my family. So to be in all the AP and honors classes, dual credit, college credit, anything I possibly could was definitely my goal coming into KHS. In addition to that, I actually lived in Dallas, Texas for about eight years before making this transition my freshman year. So I was dealing with not only that, but the academic pressure to uphold my gifted status as well as to continue to push myself to build my resume for college. So, what is a mental health day? A mental health day is not just an opportunity for students to take a break at home, but also to prepare them to learn. I know a lot of my fellow seniors, especially after seeing all the graduation posts

050recently, they have complained about how hard school was and how it was four years of never get back in their life and how much that they truly despised it. And it's really disheartening to hear. Honestly, learning should be the forefront of most people's minds going into high school and especially college. Yet, unfortunately, for a lot of these kids roaming KHS halls, school is very, very difficult. It is a huge stressor. And I know a lot of my students who are going into college already burnt out. So, to have that in your mind already at such a young age is very difficult. not even being in the work fields that they're aspiring to become or to truly express an interest in a life beyond schooling. So these mental health days would not only push for a

051healthier mindset going into these four years of schooling, but also to just continue their lives with a strong, passionate interest in learning. Why mental health needs attention? According to the APA, about 5.8 out of 10 that's That is the score that most students would report their stress in high school. This might not seem great as of right now, but considering the fact that many other students participate in athletics, in clubs, different organizations, that score can definitely fluctuate throughout the school year. is something we definitely need to keep an eye on and especially considering the fact that 83% say that school is a ma major source of stress in their life is not only a huge statistic but something that most schools should be putting in the forefront of their minds when going into each school

052year. To not only show an interest but to show how significant student mental health is to from to the students from the district is extremely important to not only help these students stay up in school but also to really feel like they belong in their district to feel like they are seen and they are heard. Why naming it matters. As you guys might know, there are a few already present things that KHS has to kind of support their students in addition to like counselors as well as the amazing secretary. Shout out to my secretary, Miss Delling. I love her so much. She's helped me so much throughout this year just to regulate my own emotions, whether it was dealing with my senioritis every other class or just to come and speak to her about something

053that happened over my weekend. There are lots of staff that are very supportive of their students as well as many different as I mentioned Miss Delling secretaries and assistant principles who will help their students when they need to miss a few days for different outside programming or these unexcused mental health days. To name these as excused mental health days and not have the students require an official doctor's note from either a psychologist or a therapist is extremely important because then again it shows the initiative to truly showing the students that they matter and that their mental health comes first before their grades, before their achievements and before them pushing themselves to failure every day just to get to the success that they see for themselves. Currently, the Missouri House Bill 728 again allows for these

054psychological appointments to be excused, but to have the unexcused absences also appreciated and taken in by KHS staff not only allows the students to feel more comfortable, but also to give them the calming sense that it's okay to not be okay, to not have to force themselves to come to school when they seriously can't, to be falling asleep in every class, and to make the teachers seen as well as unheard and just get behind in their schooling to be allowed to have one or two days every year or every semester if it ever gets to that point to just regulate themselves and truly come to school ready to learn with an open mind and open ears would be extremely important. Currently, Missouri has nothing else like this in the entire state. There are other states

055around us like Illinois, Oregon, Utah, and Virginia who allow a bunch of different versions of excused mental health days. Whether that means the parent has to directly contact secretaries or assistant principles or whether there is already an official number of excused mental health days students are allowed to have. If Kirkwood would be the first district to kind of pioneer this proposal, this would not only be a little pat on the back for us, but also to truly just show the students that they are the number one in the district and the staff's minds. Currently, there are 93% of students at KHS among freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. And I got this data directly from a student survey I sent out in February who say that schoolwork and grades are top sources of stress in their

056lives, not just in school. I mean, we're in school for about eight hours every single day, minus the weekends, but truly, if you add up all the time we spend doing homeworks, working on projects, or even doing organization or participating in organizations that are connected to school, we really do do school every single day. So to just kind of see how great that statistic is is very concerning, especially as a student who has personally gone through mental health struggles within my four years of high school. This is something that needs to be not only just acknowledged, but brought to the acknowledgement of others in our district. 76.7% of students say that they have needed a me mental health day but have failed to get one. While 85.9% believe that the district should just blatantly allow

057these students to have an option to just relieve themselves of them, their stress, whether that means just an extra day to catch up or an extra day to study or just some time to just emotionally regulate themselves and take a breather. My favorite quote that I got from the open-ended question I included in my survey said that mental health days acknowledge that mental health is physical health and they help students take care of themselves instead of neglecting that part of their well-being. Seeing as technology develops and competition is now arising for students as young as elementary school, whether that's with small organizations within that school or just blatant importance being put on grades. wellbeing, especially for the juniors and seniors going into college applications, honors college applications, and various scholarships. Competition is a very big

058thing in our society now, and it's putting a lot of stress on students. To get burnt out in high school is honestly just a shame, and it's something that we should genuinely be looking out for in our students now. Now, mental health days are not supposed to be seen as unlimited time off. They will be regulated and monitored by in assistant principles or secretaries. There will be a limited amount and is definitely not a replacement for counseling or treatment. The counselor at the school will always be in the forefront of this proposal because this is directly what they work with. They can also of course just point people to help hotlines if needed or even just official psychological care if they seem or they deem it necessary. And mental health days are definitely not extra

059work for teachers. The teachers will have to do nothing in this sense. This is mostly just all on the students and their personal relationships with teachers whose work they either need to make up or direct contact with their principles if they're falling too far behind. Everyone benefits from these excused mental health days. Not only our district or our students, but also our teachers and families who would be happy to see their students bright and energized every single day rather than weary and gray coming to and from school. So my initial or honest outline right now would be as already completed. I have done the student survey and have finalized most of the procedures and my ideas for this proposal. And during the summer I would hope for the staff to kind of take over a

060little bit with communication and attendance setup and edits in accordance to these excused mental health days. during the fall of 2026, spring of 2027 school year. I would hope for the pilot to be implemented at KHS and for close monitoring to be happening during that time to kind of see the results and effects of this implementation. And then during spring of 2027, the data can be reviewed. We can gather feedback from teachers and other staff to just see how effective this was. Now lastly to just go over this just a little bit. There would only be a new attendance code the excuse mental health days kind of implemented within the attendance. That's the minor change we would have to make. There will also be a structured pilot feedback cycle and the makeup work would follow

061the normal policy. The teachers wouldn't have to modify their curriculum at all. Again, this will mostly be the one-on-one communication with the students and principles or the attendance coordinators to kind of make sure they're on track for whatever they need for their next years and their continuation of their schooling. For the misuse concerns, there will be hopefully two days per year of these excused mental health days. This number is flexible though. This is just my initial idea. There will be parent verification required, but if one were to talk to the principles about maybe a poor home situation or a lack of parental control in their lives, that could definitely be flexible, but they would most likely need to talk to their counselors or principles first. Then the counselors would also be able to monitor the

062records for patterns. This I deem very important because I love our counselors at KHS, but they are not really recognized as much. I would like them to be and to kind of have them to be able to look over these students patterns to maybe notice if a student takes all their mental health days at once or takes their mental health days and then some more that are unexcused. This would be important for counselors to be able to pull that student aside and kind of say, "Hey, what's wrong? Like, how are you doing?" And just kind of give that checkin that could not only make the student feel seen, but could save them from whatever is unseen. Lastly, pilot year evaluation would ensure accountability for both students and staff during this first year of implementation. My

063overall vision for Kirkwood is just to have our district or the district that I'm leaving to continue to flourish and thrive and for my students to not be walking in the halls stressed every single day to hopefully eliminate or diminish the worry of burnout so young and just to kind of shine the light on students who are really struggling. Lastly, this is my sister She is coming into high school as a freshman this year. And so even though I'll be graduated in all of all the way in Alabama, hopefully since she shows already a concern and just an interest in mental health, she can definitely get the torch passed down to her if necessary. And I would definitely love I'm definitely going to visit. Of course, my lovely parents back there definitely want to see

064me. So if I'm needed ever, I can definitely come and visit during breaks or whenever I just come back home from college. So, I want to say thank you so much for allowing me to speak today. I really appreciate it and have a good evening. >> And we'll pause now so that Nvea can take any questions from you all. And you can see why I wanted her to share this information rather than me. Uh she is not only very compelling but did the research, did the proposal, presented this to the high school administration, presented this to district administration as well. And I do find it just in extremely impressive that knowing that she personally is not going to benefit from this and yet still sees the value in looking at this for not only our

065students but for her sister and for other folks that are coming up as well. So I want to pause and allow the board to ask Naa any questions. Obviously she can handle them because uh she's rocking this out. So, please, >> Miss Andrews, >> I just want to thank you for your willingness to take on a topic um that I think a lot of people aren't um brave enough to speak about. And um I admire you for doing that and being a problem solver um and coming up with with solutions to um help help your fellow students. So um keep up the great work and please do come back and visit and hopefully we'll um you know be able to get this done. Thank you, >> Miss Eron. Um, I love the idea of reducing

066stigma and barriers for mental health um, for students. That's I mean obviously something that the district has been working on for a while. So this is a great idea and it's a very tangible idea, something that would be, you know, easy to implement and it's, you know, very solid idea. My only question was your recommendation on the two days a year. I was just curious if that was based on what is the most common thing you see other states doing or if data supported that that was the right number or where that number came from. You know, how do we know that that's the right number? Why do you think that's the right number? >> Well, I actually had gone over with this presentation to my principal and he had recommended the number only because

067this was just the beginning of the proposal like we haven't done this before. So to kind of start with the smallest number possible just to test it out and see what exactly is going to happen. How are the students going to react? How are the staff going to react? Was kind of my idea around solidifying that two-day number. >> Thank you. >> Welcome Mr. Harding. >> Uh first off, I want to say absolutely brilliant presentation. Um you should be incredibly proud. Um, two, uh, I find that mental health for our students is incredibly important and it's, uh, it's a wonderful thing to try and push this forward to make it happen because I'm a huge advocate as a newly elected board member in the mental health and well-being of all of our students. So, um,

068well done. Just well done, >> Dr. Hill. Thank you for acknowledging this. I'm wondering in your studies, did you find that students really are already taking mental health days, but it's not acknowledged as such. So, they may be calling in and sick um saying they're sick, but this would really put a name to that. Um yeah, I just wonder did did you find that when you were studying this? >> I definitely did. In the survey I sent out in February, a lot of the students had said they already took mental health days. They just weren't excused and they would just kind of track their absences to make sure they had just enough to not get a detention, but enough to where they didn't have to worry about coming to school worried or just stressed and

069burned out already. So, especially my best friend, she had gone through a lot in my junior year. So before this idea was kind of solidified and my outline was planned out, hearing that from her was also just kind of that personal touch that pushed me to do this. But students are definitely doing that. So just to put a name to the official days would be really important. >> Excellent work. Thank you so much. >> I will echo what everyone said. This was an incredibly impressive presentation and very important because we do need to validate that mental health is health. Um, so and Dr. Bailey, this might be a question for you and I see that it might be coming up on the next >> and I was actually going to modify the next slide actually

070thinking a little bit about it. When it comes to proposal, what's interesting about administrative procedure is it doesn't technically require board approval, but we didn't want the board to not be aware of what we would like to move forward with. And based on Na's presentation and the research and and even listening tonight, I think we just want to adjust that to say that students could take up to two mental health and not limit it to one per semester and make them make that choice if they needed two in a row or if they needed two first semester or uh to save that. if we allow that uh first and then being able to code that within our system, we can then track it and come back to the board and say, you know, what that

071look like uh for our students starting at the high school and then if need be, we can expand that to other areas as well. >> And so if if this is a pilot program next year, which I sincerely hope it is, then you will come back, give us the information, and then that's something that we could ultimately put into policy. >> Yeah, absolutely. And I may make Naa come back from Alabama. >> I think you should >> and ask her to come back. She does it way better than I do. And >> this was Thank you again and um good luck at Alabama. Thank you. >> I just want to commend Na as well. She initiated this and when we talk about real world learning and and things that we see our students do. It's

072not just about setting up businesses. Sometimes it's about doing surveys and talking to your peers and putting together presentations and advocating uh for other folks as well. and it's right in her area of of interest when you talk about psychology and medicine as well for her future pieces. So, Naa, thank you very much for for coming up and presenting with us. >> You're all done. >> I'm going to pause and not have to follow that for a moment. And uh I want to thank Na's parents as well for bringing her in, especially since she's graduated and could have just said, "Forget this. I'm not coming in." So, thank you very much. She did a tremendous job. I do want to follow up with the board as well just to talk a little bit about some

073of the cell phone um policy updates. As you well know, the was a new law that was passed by the Missouri uh legislature that implemented a cell phone ban in our schools and that was K through all the way 12. That cell phone ban was more than just cell phone personal electronic communication device which in our interpretation included smartwatches uh cell phones, smartphones and non-smartphones and we also included wireless uh earbuds because that is transmitting data back and forth. Um one of the things that we wanted to track this year was not just um discipline but also how the teachers were impacted. We'll go over that a little bit, but the board reviewed the discipline in March um related to cell phone violations when we did kind of the strategic plan presentation. Approximately 16% of

074all office referrals are due to cell phone violations. And just as a reminder, that's not on the first time. That's usually on the third, fourth, or fifth warning for students. We recognize that this year is a is a transition year, especially for our high school students. So as you can imagine about 99% of the discipline for cell phone was at the high school level. Um the other areas were were at middle school. For a lot of our students and for our parents as well there was some adjustment that had to occur. But for our teachers also. So for our parents especially at the elementary level there were some that have walkers or bike riders that really wanted to have a smartwatch which you can wear to and from school. You just have to put it

075away. Um when some parents were asking what about airplane mode? We were like, gosh, we wish. But the fact is the law says you just can't have it on or display it. So, you have to go ahead and take it off and put it in the backpack and put it away. At the high school especially, we had teachers that had gotten used to students having cell phones available and were integrating that into their instruction. So, some teacher adjustments had to occur when it comes to things like taking pictures for laboratories uh or being able to take notes or being able to submit different um assignments using your phone or using even Cahoot to submit pieces uh for tests and and other things. So, teachers had to make some adjustments as well. We did a survey

076at the beginning of the school year just about the ways that those teachers might be impacted and a lot of them talked about um instructional adaptations that they would need to make and we work with our tech team to try to problem solve around that to uh provide some iPads and some other ways that students could do that. So, for example, in art class, a student used to be able to take a picture of their project and send it to the teacher with their phone. So, we needed to provide a way for students to still be able to do that. Um, students actually were using their phones for a lot of different purposes. They were taking notes on them. They were having translations that would occur. Lots of different tools. And I'll be very honest,

077I was so used to having been a high school principal myself, so used to seeing kids at lunch, having phones out and just looking at their phone or reading something that there have been at least three different times that I've walked on campus at the high school and I've seen a kid in what I thought was, you know, looking at a phone and I was like, "Oh, they're looking at a phone." And yet, as I get closer, and this is where my just bias is coming in. As I get closer, I see that no, they're actually like holding a sandwich or they're holding something else. They weren't on their phone. So, I immediately assumed the wrong thing and as I got closer and each time it's happened, I'm a little bit more reassured that kids

078are doing the right thing because there were um lots of opportunities for students, especially on the high school campus and especially at lunch to just kind of pull that phone out and check things. So, the kids have done a nice job with that and teachers have made some adjustments. We wanted to send a survey out to everybody and I know some of the numbers are a little bit harder to read so I want to make sure you guys see that 87 to 88 teachers responded and this is encouraging. It's not perfect. Uh but the question was how frequently are you having to remind students to put their cell phone away? Blue is not very frequently. So you can see the majority of teachers are saying not very frequently. However, the red and the orange are

079about the same or more fre or very frequently meaning we still have about 50% of the time people are still prompting students to put phones away. Some of the supports and things that we've done throughout the school year right by the door of every classroom we have the expectations for the cell phone pieces. We've asked teachers to include those things in their syllabi uh throughout the school year. We've got reminders that go home to parents through our administrators. Um we've really handed that off to the principles as well. If teachers are trying to remind students too often um then they're making those office referrals. Hence the 16% of the discipline when that data was taken. So there are some support pieces in there in place. I will also say that that 16% of discipline might

080be one student was all 16% or 100 students were 16%. We do have quite a few students that continue to forget to put their phone away on a daily basis is the best way I can say it and have to get reminders uh frequently for everybody and I've been at the high school several times and usually that reminder especially if kids are in the hallway is just hey put that away put that away. Um in the classroom the students just continue to be reminded by the teachers. So we do have some of those supports in place. What was very encouraging however was when we look at the next question which was do you feel that students are more engaged in their learning compared to pri prior years almost 74% said yes. Um and so students

081being more engaged at the high school level is very encouraging. 25% said about the same as years past. So if we look at those two pieces almost 99% of of teachers are saying that that is at least as good as last year or even better. Another question. Do you feel that students are less distracted in the classroom compared to previous years? Almost 72% said yes. So this is good, very encouraging. Um 24% said about the same as last year and then roughly 1 something% said no. Uh that they are more distracted uh for everything. So again, very encouraging numbers. We asked this as well since its implementation. Has the cell phone restriction had a positive impact on your classroom? Almost 81% said yes. Uh 17% said about the same as last year. And then you

082know what is that 80 about 2% saying no it hasn't had a significant uh has a positive impact. So you can see that the majority of teachers and the majority of experiences that they're having in the classroom are that students are paying more attention, students are more engaged and there's been a positive impact on their classroom. Now we know students are creative and students have found a way uh to find other things that they can do. So we asked what continues to be the biggest distraction in your classroom. 70% said nonacademic laptop use. So kids are creative. They found pathways to get to some of the things that they want to get to. The good news is again we have a lot of those blockers, a lot of filters, a lot of things on our

083uh laptops and devices. But it does kind of point to what some of the books and the research say about kids and addiction is that sometimes it's like I'm just going to find something. I got to find something something. Even if it's the old mind sweeper game that some of us had back on the old days. I have to find something with my laptop. So, the kids are looking at that as well. You can see uh the red is AirPods or wireless headphones. So, kids are coming in with them in and they're probably not remembering that they still have them in. So, we're just telling them you need to take those out, pop those out. Uh cell phones around 10% are our biggest distraction, which I would say would have been totally flipped in previous

084years. So, that's still very good. Uh and then purple is just kind of none of the above. It might have been something else that is distracting them. And for high schoolers, you never know what that might be. Um, but the students have switched to basically looking at their laptop as kind of that next device that they can try to access some things. Um, I will also say for the board and for parents that are out there as well, students that are using our laptops, even if they're using um Instagram, for example, we still have that go through our filters. And so if they're doing things that could indicate self harm or harm to others through things like Instagram on our devices, that still pops up as an alert for us to check in and follow

085up those students in case there are situations uh that need follow-up from a counselor or a social worker. So we do still have that. We don't like to advertise that because kids might uh might stop doing it. So, I wanted to make sure that I had a chance to answer any questions about the wellness committee, about the cell phone piece, and I think she hasn't left yet. So, if you have another question for Nvea, feel free to answer that as well. But we would like to move forward with the pilot attendance code uh for our high school students of mental health and count that as an excused absence. I think it's reasonable to start with two and see if those are used, how often they're used, by what number of students those are used. Um,

086and as Na explained very eloquently, it's not an adjustment for the teachers in terms of the absence. They're still just counting an absence like they've done before. Um, it just is naming what it is. And I think allowing students to uh feel confident in being able to say this is what I need. And quite frankly, it helps us with some data collection to see how many students are taking these days, what additional support can we provide, and we can provide some followup to those kids that that do have those patterns. So, happy to take any questions. Thank you, Dr. Hill. >> Mr. Harding, >> um, just two things. One is I'm curious how you decide on prioritize the topics for the parent nights. Um I'm yeah I sure I get ideas all the time and

087I'm just c not me personally I'm just saying things come up and so I'm just curious how those how those topics get chosen >> first have people send them my way uh because we we definitely want to meet the need of anybody that's there but we have a committee within the committee kind of a work group of parents and and some um middle school and high school students and staff members that vet the different topics and go through things and see what we need to put out there. So we've had um addiction situations, we've had vaping that parents are very curious about just college and career communication. So that that committee of parents uh helps us vet those topics. But if we need to see something or meet a need or something is new so

088new that we didn't know about it like AI or the use of AI, then I certainly would look for speakers and opportunities to provide that. So feel free to have folks send those ideas my way. Would you say so far they've been more geared towards parents of of high school students and teenagers? >> No, actually, yeah, we've had quite a few um elementary students that and elementary parents that when they start looking at topics like recess and better play, it's because that can help mitigate some mental health challenges later in life and social skill development, executive functioning. So around those topics, we have had people ask us for things when executive functioning essentially is can you take care of yourself during the day. Um we've had people ask for topics around that as well. So

089some part of it is also can I find somebody that is an expert that can provide that. >> Sure. >> Um but yeah, even all the way down to elementary, we've looked at what opportunities we have and I would say the anxious generation is probably more of an elementary middle school >> right >> u topic than than high school specifically. And what's your target number per school year? Just out of curiosity, >> we did uh we did three this school year. We had to cancel one because our speaker had a death in the family. So, we're trying to do four. So, I would say one per quarter would be good. Um but if there is enough demand, then we can always look to do more or provide opportunities for even like virtual um sessions or

090just um clickable links. We've had a couple folks that have talked about building out some links within our um social work student services page just to like static YouTube videos for people to find. Um and my secretary is going to help build that out this summer as well. >> Okay. Yeah, it it just seems to come up a lot especially on my um my committee work and stuff of around there's just a lot of things I think going on that relate to educational topics and so I'm I just wanted to know the process for how topics. Um so if the next time those come up I would just say hey throw that topic towards Dr. Bailey. >> Send them right my way. Um, and then this is more of a a comment, but with the

091cell phones, what I'm interested to see and have been interested to see is, and and maybe I'm saying this or I'm seeing this or I'm aware of this because I have a fifth grader who's rising into sixth grade who doesn't have a cell phone. I'm interested to see how the feedback on those kids that will be coming into those ages under this law and under this environment to see if that is a different experience. You know what I'm saying? Versus the kids who've had to transition from a pre-existing culture to a new set of rules. So, that's something that I'm really interested to keep an eye on this next year because we'll be >> we'll be kind of seeing that. Um, in the next few years, we'll see kind of these kids move through into

092the middle school. So, >> I agree. >> That's something I'm interested in. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Miss Andrews. >> Thank you. This was great. I do have a couple of questions. How well attended were the parent nights? I love them. >> Yeah. So, for the anxious generation one, we had 50 or 60 folks that were there. Dr. Rumpus was able to come in. Um, and we had a few staff members that even said, "Wow, this is more than We've had a few events. We had another one specific to anxiety and we had about 30 or 40." So, anywhere from 30 to 60 people have been at those. Uh, some of that starts with word of mouth as well, like, "Oh, I went to this and I and we want to talk." So,

093we hope to have a few more next school year, but from from feedback from other folks for evening events. One of the challenges that we have lots of people that are like, "You should do this, you should do this, you should do this." Then when we do it and we get 20 people, but it was important for those 20 that came and spent two hours with us and heard from some folks who have an expertise in this and um took copious notes and and went back and that's where some of the ideas around the recess schedule. There are some parent groups that want to start around a topic called wait till 8 which is uh you know can we get a a critical mass of parents who agree to wait until 8th grade to provide

094their child a cell phone so that there's not the peer pressure that's there. Um and then just some advocacy opportunities and research. So I it was pretty decent for our first year. >> That's great. Um and then the only other question with the pilot program for the mental health days, how is that going to be communicated so that parents and kids know they don't have to lie about why they're staying home. >> So we can do that in multiple ways and we'll we'll take advantage of multiple avenues of communication. Miss um first we'll add that to our um policy book that we have for for our attendance pieces. Next we'll work with the high school to have their grade level team meetings that they have at the beginning of each school year with their principles

095and counselors uh to be able to advertise that. Then I think and actually um I may email Na as well just to get her thoughts on ways that we can put either posters up or other ways to communicate, make sure the counselors have that available so that they can kind of nudge kids if they need to. Um, and we'll send some reminders out and I'll ask the high school to put that in their newsletter as well. >> Thank you very much. This was great. >> Thank you. And Na again, thank you very much. >> Next up, our report 8.02 preliminary budget, Mr. Cook. >> So, board, as Mr. Mr. Cook moves to his seat. Um, tonight will be his first overview that he'll provide on behalf of the district of the proposed fiscal year 27

096budget. As you know, this is one of the most important ways that we have to show alignment of our resources to the strategic plan and ultimately our ability to fulfill the mission of every student engaged, empowered, and ready for success. Uh, I want to recognize the tremendous amount of work that goes into this process. Uh, Mr. Cook and the finance team have spent countless hours building a thoughtful and responsible budget that we believe balances the needs of today while also carefully planning for the future and a lot of unknowns when we think about revenue that he's been sharing. Um, in addition to working with the budget and finance committee and the finance department on the development of this, we also added a component this year that I believe we've shared with the board of individual

097meetings with each of our building principles as well as the head of every department within the district. um really getting them to speak through their wishes, their wants, and their needs for their schools and their departments. While we don't have the ability to do all of those things, it was important for us to understand um what people feel they need in order to do the work at the highest level and for us to have that not only as a part of this year's budget as as well as as we think about long-term planning over the next several years. Um you know, as he did tonight, Mr. Cook shared an update with the board and the community on the fiscal and legislative updates that are taking place and specifically the broader picture of the changing landscape

098of public school finance in the state and how the decisions of the legislature are impacting our work. Um those updates I believe help ensure transparency and understanding of both the board and our community. Um and they're really proactive as we navigate this increasingly complex uh financial environment that we're in. I'm grateful for Mr. Cook's expertise, expertise and leadership as we've worked through it. Um there is a need to be cautious based on the funding at the state level and some of the other implications that we could have at the local level moving forward. However, I want the board and our community to take away from tonight that Kirkwood remains in an incredibly strong financial position. Um that is because of the community's commitment to the district in the support that they've given us historically around

099levies and um both on the operating side and bond issues as well as the fiscally responsible decisions of prior boards and administration. Um you're going to hear a lot in the news in coming weeks of neighboring districts and how um these challenges are impacting districts in different ways. Um and again there's a need to be cautious and to have concern, but we're also in a very strong spot and you're going to hear a different message from neighboring districts. So, I think that communication will be important for us moving forward. Um, tonight's overview is the first step. You know that we will come back to the board for a work session um and a budget hearing on June 8th, which will be another opportunity for the community and the board to ask questions if they have

100them. And then again, a final time on June 22nd, we will come back to the board hopefully asking for your approval of the fiscal year 27 budget. So, at this time, I'll turn it back over to Mr. Cook to go through the presentation. >> Thank you, Dr. Rumpus. So, so agenda for tonight's preliminary discussion really just want to focus mostly on the operating fund if we if we could tonight and knowing that on June 8th we'll come back to the table and talk about some of those other funds that operate outside the operating uh but but just looking at revenue and expenditures and that fund balance piece that's always important to discuss and uh would love to focus on those things tonight. I had uh the opportunity this year for the first time really to

101work with a finance committee. Uh it's a learning opportunity for me and uh I I did appreciate it and and enjoy it to be honest because both within the framework of those meetings and outside the framework of those meetings. had an opportunity to learn about the context historically for KSD and uh sort of that guidance on budget development and financial performance, the sustainability piece that a lot of veteran voices on that group who were able to supplement some of the knowledge I had and and I think the community perspective too is is incredibly important as it does sort of en ensure that transparency and strengthens that bond of trust between the community and uh and uh the district. So, so jumping right in, I think, to the revenue uh forecast is is an important place

102to start. And and here on this slide, just uh kind of a context of of the various places from which our our revenue generates and 87% of our revenue comes from local sources. Uh that's incredibly unique across the state of Missouri. It's more common in St. Louisis County and metro areas uh that we would be so uh locally funded and reliant upon property taxes. This disparity might grow in the future. It's something that we're going to want to watch for as uh the state's ability to contribute to the to educating young people across the state is somewhat uh in flux as their revenue sources are less reliable and the formula gets rewritten. Uh we'll we'll have to continue to monitor. you can see that the 1% federal 1% county that really we just really uh

103lean heavily on our patrons and the property tax revenue that we generate here in the Kirkwood school district. As we break that down further, 76% of that overall number comes from property taxes specifically. And uh that of that $95 million revenue budget that we have uh as a preliminary number now, 76% of that coming from property taxes, uh we we lean heavily on that. Prop C, which is also local funding, is another 8%. So really uh the state formula is a smaller piece of the pie. Uh, I think the messaging that we would want to to have this evening is even though it's a smaller piece of the pie, it keeps it from being a cataclysmic problem for us, it it still matters and it's still important and and uh so we're grateful for the

104contributions from our local taxpayers. Uh, but we'd be remiss in saying that it doesn't matter at all what happens at the state level. So, jumping into current taxes, we're projecting uh a little over a little under 68 million in current taxes uh for next year. 76% of our operating revenues coming from that. Uh a little bit of a decrease and that's not um I want to be sure to characterize that correctly. The reason why it's a decrease is number one, any growth we get uh from this year would be uh driven by new construction only. It's a non-reassessment year, so we're not getting any new revenue from reassessment of property. The main reason why it went backwards is that the recruitment levy's gone. So, that's like $924,000 of recruitment money this year that's subtracted. Uh,

105now that we will replace that, right? So, we'll have a new recruitment levy coming that's not in this number. So, I want to be clear, this is sort of a worstc case scenario for local revenue. We would expect this only to go up uh from this point on. Now, the senior homestead property tax is subtracted here. We would expect that to be pretty much the same, but that's another number and another metric that is uncertain as we head in uh to next year. So, we've subtracted that from last year's revenue. We've kept that subtraction there that could grow, but more likely would be more flat there as well. So, recruitment this year and the senior property tax credit almost offset each other. We could expect something similar probably to happen this year as well. So

106all of that to say that local taxes, which is our major funding source, will be pretty flat, pretty much uh in line with what we received this year. Prop Prop C is a bit of a different story. We're anticipating about uh 8% here uh of our overall revenue and a decrease of about $62,000 from uh this this current year. um $1,452 per weighted ADA and weighted average membership. So this year we're being paid on 1465. So as sales taxes continue to be strong, you might wonder how this could go backwards. This number gets diluted as more people get included in this count. So the shift from just ADA to a combined ADA and average membership makes more folks eligible, more kids eligible. So the more kids that are eligible, the less money ends up being

107able to be dispersed to all districts as we include charter schools in that as well. Those are all rising faster than sales tax revenue and so the per pupil amount drops for everyone. So coupled in with that is a reduction in district enrollment for us. Uh want to be sure to to tell you that that is something that almost every district is experiencing. So it seems that we're talking out of both sides of our mouth, right? more kids involved. Uh but really there's this reduction in ADA across the state as as just frankly birth rates are declining in Missouri and fewer kids are uh counting in that number. So we want to characterize that as what it is a reduction that really everyone is many districts most districts are are experiencing. So uh we would

108anticipate a little bit of a backwards movement in Prop C for next year. Uh so that preliminary budget that you received is is accounting for it in that way. Uh moving forward into the basic formula discussion, uh we're we're looking at just under $2 million less uh of an expectation from this funding mechanism as compare compared to what we had budgeted for in FY 26. So moving backwards again, I I was trying to think of a good way of describing so there's a this the receipt of revenue at the local district level is really a twopep process. There's the appropriation of that money and then there's the actual money received. And so it's kind of like the Seinfeld. Anybody can just take reservations. It's like holding the reservation. That's important. Anybody can appropriate money. And

109that's what happened, right? 7,145. That was the appropriation. That's what we were supposed to get. Anybody can do that. But we have uh had this pattern in Missouri lately of over reliance on gaming revenue and lottery revenue. And so although that was the appropriation, the actual money coming in this year for the first time we're really seeing that shortfall. And that's where we didn't quite ever get to 7145. We ended up at 6,900 and next year probably even less. So the next slide delves into that just a little bit more. I want to leave you with that bottom number that's underlined because that is a talking point that's been hammered home over the last couple of weeks in public school finance is 362.7 million and underfunding from the state level between FY26 and 27. So

110they were uh we're $138 million short this year. They were already planning to short the formula 190.6 for next year. That was the agreed upon number. Uh that included a whole bunch of unreliable funding sources. We were able to get a lot of that back between contributions from the capital renovation fund and the blind pension fund. We were able to get some restoration of that funding. So if you were on the finance committee, Jary, you remember 6740 as our SAT. So that's climbed upward some because they're taking it from other sources. That's one-time funding. So we want to be careful to say that the fix in the formula for next year that's let us creep upward is certainly not guaranteed in FY28 uh as this is borrowing from other funding sources for one time only.

111Uh we're also going to have flat funding in transportation at the state level. So 17 million from what should have been owed. So if you add all of that together 362.7 is the shortage between these these two years. So, um, we just we just want to make sure that that again has been a talking point and that was a talking point used frankly in the last week of session to say are you really going to pass all this stuff and short as 362.7 million and I do wonder and think if maybe that helped move the needle a bit. Uh so again to characterize that appropriately right we are in in great shape and we're going to finish with kind of this message of the overall budget that this we don't want to overreact to this

112but it is the reality that the money that we've been able to consistently rely on receiving from the state isn't quite as reliable in the next year two or even three years so that we're building responsible budgets based on real numbers uh as we come in. So, uh, we're projecting, uh, 7.2 million in combined basic formula and CTF, classroom trust fund, 8% of our operating revenues decreased from the previous year. So, the SAT that we've been told we might be able to expect is 68.65. So, it had gone all the way to 67.40. We restored it back now to 68.65 by borrowing money from other general revenue sources. the budget that you have seen and that's our preliminary budget is built on a 68.45 SAT. So $20 short of what uh the legislature would say

113we could expect. So just again to be clear, they still owe a 71.45. They say we might get 68.65 and then the preliminary budget is built on 6845. So based on based on what we might hear over even the next couple of weeks before we gather on June 8th, that's one of those things that remains a bit fluid. It's not a ton of money. Even if we went up to 6865, it's about $150,000. So it's not a ton of money, but but again, I think we have to be responsible to use all the revenue at our disposal to make sure we're doing everything we can for our kids in the moment. That's what it's there for. So we don't want to be too conservative, but we also don't want to overextend ourselves and be in

114a position where we've, you know, sort of over relied on some of those things. It's a balancing act in the end. And it's sort of an inexact science, too, if you haven't picked up on that as well. So, uh, the the the weighted ADA and average membership shift, uh, continues to happen too over the course of the next few years. So this year we were paid 90% on weighted ADA and 10% on membership. Next year it's 8020. That'll continue to happen until it's 5050. So that impacts us as well as that drags that number down for us too. Uh because we're a district that has enjoyed good attendance rates over the years. And so the shift upward in membership helps districts with with lower attendance rates and and sort of mitigates uh the issues for

115us as well. again uh that that number continues to come down for us too as that reduction in district enrollment plays out over the next few years. So uh really just want to be realistic about this number with the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised um I think is probably the way I would characterize it is uh cautiously optimistic about this number but uh realistic at the same time. So uh let's take a shift to expenditure and just look at some of the bigger expenditures that we have for next year. So we've sort of talked about where we may be short in revenue where we have seen some increases on the expenditure side. Uh really always around salary and benefit. Right? those of you who have been around for a long time and paid attention, uh,

116a huge amount of our expenditure budget is there. And we see that on this chart here, uh, that we're we're talking about an overwhelming amount of our expenditures uh, coming from from these uh, sources here, trying to do quick math in my head, 81% or 81% of our operating fund expenditures are salaries and benefits. So, uh, really when you talk about the ability to control or to predict those, those are the major driving forces that that happen there. Other other increases that we're seeing throughout the budget. So, we we do are entering into a new laptop plan for next year around uh providing all of our staff with new devices as well as incoming freshmen. That's a departure from what we've been doing in the past. So there's a belief and I agree with the

117belief of uh handing a new device to an incoming freshman rather than inheriting a used one from someone else or taking your used one with you between buildings. Uh so that that has necessitated and and really u accelerated a shift in moving salaries out of the tech fund and into the operating fund. So that's the impact, right? So this this lease payment comes out of uh the technology fund. Uh but there's a shift into operating of about $600,000 in technology salaries that will help us sustain those lease payments over four years uh so that we can project uh that out moving forward. So uh it felt like the time was right to take on some of that burden taking that out of the tech fund um as those monies are set aside specifically for that

118purpose of providing technological resources for our students and staff. Uh we we are adopting a new ELA curriculum in grades two through five at a cost of $337,000. We we do have uh some window work to be done at the Turner building. Um just got a a text during our meeting that we were having some water issues as we spoke uh going on at Turner from the rain we were experiencing. So, uh, we're we're contributing to that and trying to take, uh, action against some of the more, uh, compromised windows in the Turner building and and shoring up that envelope to make sure we're taking good care of that facility and the people in it as well. Uh, that that last bullet point I want to draw attention to, this is the additional funding for

119facilities andor other projects. uh the term that we've used for this I think that the board would be familiar with is unallocated funds right so that comes from that voluntary uh or that move of reducing the voluntary roll back and and setting our levy at the voter approved ceiling. So, I think that resonates with those of you who have been around for a while that that has helped us to navigate this uh this unusual year in revenue. Uh that and we're going to touch on that more as we move forward. But that's the number you would see in the prelim preliminary budget around that number. That is uh lower than what we've had in the past, but that's been a number that's helped us to weather the storm. Just put put it that way. And

120happy to take questions on that too as we move forward. would like to point out at this time that that the per pupil expenditures in the district are 16th in St. Louis area county schools. Uh so we have one of the lowest if not the lowest residential levy uh in St. Louis County. Uh we are contributing uh 14,794 per student. Uh the county averages $16,043 per student. Uh we we draw this attention to say look at the the great education that we're providing here in this district responsibly with a lower levy than many of our neighbors and able to contribute uh at a lower level than many of our neighbors. And the outcomes that we're achieving are a credit to our staff and our administrators uh and our students frankly who are uh achieving at

121a high level despite uh maybe a lower contribution than the average in St. Louis County. want to take one look at this fund balance slide as well. Um, you know, fund balance is the money left in fund one and fund two and and a high fund balance. I think it's tempting to think of that as uh the district, you know, sitting on or hoarding money that it doesn't need. And and really the the reality of a fund balance is much of its obligated already. It isn't all a rainy day fund. There is a portion of it that's a rainy day and it and literally is a rainy day and a rainy year perhaps from a budgetary standpoint. Thank thank goodness for our fund balance and thankful to our predecessors on the board and in administration

122who have have taken the opportunity in good revenue years to build that balance up so that we could navigate the storm so to speak of of what we face in this year. So so this chart does account for the shortfall in revenue this year from what was expected. So scaled back somewhat from what was expected in FY26. Uh we're expecting 3% in reassessment years. So nothing in uh the in years like even years like this one, but 3% growth in those oddnumbered years. We could earn as much as 5% under Hancock amendment in those years. This this is built on an SAT of 68.45 and Lord knows what that is going to be moving forward, right? So uh very conservative around state funding. Uh this is anyone's guess. There's a new formula on the way.

123Uh but very uh conservative state formula contributions built into to this uh salary or this fund balance chart. 2.75% salary package growth. Uh that that's likely conservative, but sometimes that fluctuates based on retirements and um other uh factors that are uh at play there. So we would be able to with no changes in revenue increases uh or in levy increases be able to project out for quite some time all the way to 2033 a fund balance that's in a healthy position. I would caution everyone around fund balance that it is really difficult to can can sort of predict what that's going to look like. uh we have so many factors at play uh and state funding uh and and locally as well to be honest around property tax revision that that this is uh something

124that is really healthy and good to know. Uh but uh it's a year-to-year basis that we look at this. Uh it's it's really difficult to predict out past really really three to four years I I've always felt like is the most reliable there. So we're projecting way further out than that. Okay. So, summing up before we get to some of your questions, um what's the messaging for FY27? Um there are fiscal realities across the state of Missouri that are going to impact every school district next year and uh leading to more complicated decisions uh complicated decisions uh that are difficult and we won't be immune to that, right? We'll have complicated decisions as well. that our situation looks different than many of our neighbors, many other districts in the state. What what others are dealing

125with, we're not immune to. It does hurt us too. Uh and and despite the relatively small state funding contribution, it does still matter. It's been a it's been a cushion for us really in Kirkwood. Uh that because the funding from the state has been so reliable, it's helped us to build that fund balance uh that we're appreciative of having now. uh with that downturn that margin has has shrunk right so you'll you'll notice a difference in that as you go through the preliminary budget uh that that cushion is somewhat smaller than what we've come used to so uh some of the reasons why really two huge reasons why I would say that we're able to navigate this in a different way than our neighbors uh would would be Prop K has lasted us longer than

126we expected so that was a huge vote and gone back and forth but I I believe 2017 is where we settled. It's Prop K 2017. Okay. So, we we settled on the right right year there. Uh it's supported the district and sustained us longer than we expected and that's really due to the rising value of property in Kirkwood. We're all beneficiaries of that. It's a it's a wonderful place to live with property values that are uh continuing to increase. And so, Prop K has been something that has sustained us longer than we've expected. it continues to do so through this situation as well. And and credit to the board and to uh administration for uh setting the tax rate at the authorized voter ceiling. And that was done in a way that did not increase

127taxes for local patrons because we were suns setting Prop. And uh the that reduction in the or reversal in the voluntary roll back has allowed us the flexibility to move through this situation in a much more agile way. So grateful for that uh leap of faith on behalf of the board as well uh because it's although it meant no new taxes for our patrons, it's provided us uh with flexible revenue to navigate this time period. So uh we we feel like there's a a bit of urgency around internal and external messaging around the budget because it is different uh than in past years. Uh it will look it will look different and it will lead us into different conversations. So working with Steph and her team and our admin, our cabinet group uh of just

128how to message this to both our staff and uh to the public about just the the I think twofold, right? that it it is a different year than we're used to, but it's not cataclysmic because we're going to see that in the news, I think, over time that many districts are engaged in some really difficult conversations about how to navigate and we will not have to do that. And so we're grateful for that. But we do want to make sure we're messaging um in the right way around this. And honestly, it's out of our strategic plan discussions is a topic around messaging uh around our controls and our financial situation. So, it's a perfect opportunity to use the strategic plan to better communicate around what uh a budget year like this one might look like.

129So, okay, that was the last slide and I'm anxiously awaiting questions around that. And I I will say that I'm grateful to my team and the finance office for all of the help that that we had in putting this document together, but I don't doubt there are things that need to be fixed and that we'll continue to tweak over the next couple of weeks. Uh and so what will end up being the a document that you'll receive prior to the ETH may look a tiny bit different. I think the the big rocks are going to look similar. There may be a few numbers that change and a few words that change. Uh but then as we gather your feedback on the 8th and then take that feedback and move into the 22nd would be that

130revision based on what the board sees and would like to to have happen there. So okay >> thank you Dr. Hill. Do you have any questions at this time? >> Mr. Harding >> I just because I'm new at all this um I'm trying to find my feed here. So a couple things where so say hypothetically if the state income tax repeal goes through in August say >> how soon thereafter would we here in this district feel that hit and what >> what where would the pivot be? >> So it's entirely possible that we wouldn't feel it at all at the district level. Right? If if everything goes off as the legislature would intend, >> the high high sales taxes would offset that reduction in general revenue and we would be operating business as usual. Okay.

131>> It would be I believe 2029 would be the soonest that that process would start. So we're a bit out from that. So the the main reason to watch that, James, is is around what happens if they don't have a great plan to replace that general revenue and what if their objections are wrong. Uh then the general revenue piece that contributes to the formula when that becomes less reliable then that impacts us. >> So we would have our fingers crossed that it would be a fundamental shift in the way Missouri does business but we wouldn't feel it that much. I think that we have enough uh historical context to feel not super certain in that uh that they would have it all figured out and that everything would be smooth and we would not feel

132a hiccup. So I think that's where our heartburn comes from is >> Sure. Sure. >> What if their numbers aren't great and and we've already gone down the road and then all of a sudden the revenue we can rely on >> becomes less reliable because we we all expect lottery lottery and gaming revenues to be fluctuating. But uh >> when that if that started happening then that would be hurtful. So >> Gotcha. Thanks Scott. >> Yes. Um, I know we have in the next few weeks to >> dig into some of the details and we have a few opportunities to kind of work on a more collaborative, you know, scale with the work session and we have some smaller meetings and things like that. But just thematically long-term planning and factoring in contingencies when we're

133looking I understand, you know, the state piece is maybe not going to affect us as much, but when we look at rising transportation costs and declining enrollment and the how little control we have over the cost of benefits and, you know, these things that happen, you know, how much of looking down the road and looking at our budget and earmarking, you know, the soft tissue and, you know, figuring out what, you know, what those contingency plans are down the road. Is that something that we're thinking about already? You know, is that >> I can I can tell you I'm thinking about everything. Yeah. I I I I think that it is uh I think that we have great people in charge of navigating through that process. Laura, I feel like we have already begun the

134process that Dr. Rumpus alluded to of uh that evaluative piece with the people who have boots on the ground in the most in the buildings and in the departments of what what do you what do you need? What do you want? I I do think that we're entering into a season of evaluation as to uh okay, as we add this or we request this new piece in your department, uh let's do an evaluation of everything we're currently spending money on. What's what's most effective, what's least effective, and uh you know that's what you normally that's that's what you naturally do when times change around revenue is a really good lens to examine the the things that are in place now. Um I'm grateful for the work that Dr. Rich did around our staffing plan. I

135feel really good about the fact that we have good staffing throughout the next few years without uh really having contingency hanging over our head as much as perhaps it has been in the past that we feel uh good about where our staffing is and that we won't uh be up in the air about last minute growth right and having to budget for such things as much as maybe we have in the past there's not as much volatility if that makes sense. >> Sure it does. I I would say if I could make some sort of request or or maybe what I'm trying to get at is from our perspective knowing that you know the budget and the financial aspect is a huge part of what we look at >> when we're in these meetings and

136what we do a lot of is approve expenses and we approve a lot of spending and I don't know that we always see when something has been cut or when you guys have these conversations of hey this is something that like if we had to like this would be a potential savings. We don't have as much visibility into that. So knowing that there's these uncertainties and I know we are in a strong financial position. So I do want to be very clear and I I communicate that as often as possible but you know it's also just good to have the knowledge of these plan BDS that are out there. Um, so I I think it would just be helpful for us and to just occasionally have some form of communication of, hey, here are some

137things that we look at when we're looking down the road that could be part of those plans just so that we have some awareness of those things. Um, because I don't know that I feel like I have that necessarily. Um, and then just kind of related to that, I know we have a lot of work to do with our facilities and I participated in the facilities master planning and that was a really interesting process and I just and we've talked about how I mean it's amazing we have these historic buildings. We are a, you know, old district with a lot of history and a lot of, you know, tradition and things like that, but we do have some buildings that are over a hundred years old and we're putting band-aids on things constantly and we

138have a lot of projects. Um, and I know that's something we've talked about that our community needs to understand that our facilities need maintenance and things like that. One of the things that I wanted to ask about related to budget was as we've been doing some of these facilities projects. Do you have a sense for how often once we get into those projects we have these surprisits a little bit more involved than we thought given the age of these buildings? I mean is this like a we need to start considering that kind of more common occurrence or we need to add a consideration. >> That's a that's a good question. Uh th this one was one that I think was unique in that u everything was below ground. So you're more susceptible to those unexpected

139things at that that point. Um but I think that's a valid question. I think I I do think that that's where our maintenance fund helps us to having that dedicated fund is uh where we can pivot around some of those unexpected costs in the moment. I think there are larger issues at play uh that our maintenance fund is not designed to address as much and so that plays into other conversations around you know when our next prop might be and what that might be needed to to do. So, uh, I think what you're describing, Laura, is, um, is really intended to be addressed by that, uh, piece of our operating levy that goes to maintenance that we, uh, can handle these minor issues and then, oh, wait, here's a surprise, but we're still okay. Yes.

140>> Because they carry a fund balance, too, in that fund that we would still be fine. I think as we try to be strategic about a major renovation or a major project is where uh we would be engaged in other discussions around that debt service levy and some other opportunities there. So hopefully that starts us down the path. But I I think that your uh questions are are certainly important. Um you know where are the places that we're already beginning to evaluate? Where are some things that we've scaled back on already? where are some opportunities for scaling back in the event that we needed to. Uh I think that is something that's valuable information for all of us to have and uh I think it grows out of some of the conversations we've discussed uh

141that we've had recently with our folks uh in the building. So >> yeah, I I think the visibility is important and the mindset is important. um you know knowing full well that right now we're good but just yeah >> having that extra layer of understanding >> in the in the healthiest of times it's good to evaluate your expenditures it it becomes more urgent when the revenues aren't coming in as quickly as you might have hoped and so then it makes it maybe even a little more important to engage in those conversations I think that's what I'm hearing >> and kind of developing a game plan for the rainiest of days >> yes Okay, >> thank you. >> yeah, and just to kind of piggy back on that, um, Miss Heepern, like, um, you know, the

142projects all have a contingency, right, a contingency on the project and we haven't had to go outside of that contingency. So, that's >> another way to um Okay, I I have a few. >> Uh we're going to need to vote to extend. >> Okay. >> Um so, can I get a motion to extend the meeting by 15 minutes? So, moved. Hill >> second. Harding. >> Miss Andrews. >> Okay. >> Wait, we're we got a vote on it. >> Uh yes, >> Miss Eurn. >> Yes. Mr. Harding, >> yes. >> Dr. Hill, >> yes. Motica, yes. Motion. >> Okay. Um, so let me start here. Okay. We have every year we get recruitment, >> correct? >> Okay. But you did not build this into our the budget. >> I did not. >> Okay. >> I I

143looked for good metrics uh Gene Marie to see. >> No. Yeah. can't. It's not a number you can really rely on it. You know, it varies. Okay. I just wanted to make sure. >> Yeah. Not to not to interrupt, but I I think that we saw that offset in the senior tax freeze and recruitment. And so, I thought if I left those two things alone, we could be in pretty good shape there. So, >> yeah. Yeah. Um, but I think it's important for for the board to understand that that to for this budget to have been balanced, right, and us not to be completely in the red. We did roll back um taxes and so then we had $3 million. I believe it would ended up being two million >> 2.5 actually. >> 2.5. >>

144Um, and so I think it's import for our community and new board members to understand that that money was never intended to have to cover this this kind of thing, right? And so, >> thank goodness we have it like you said. >> Um, but I think that initially when we were rolling back that was really intended to be kind of a buffer for our new administration if there were were needs. But that need has now become to cover our budget, right? And so I think that it's important to to kind of >> yeah recognize that. >> I do think I do think one thing I would say is like for instance the new laptop plan and the movement of the tech salaries that's that some of that money could be considered as paying for for

145>> we would we would say for the new laptop plan although it trickles down right and salaries over. So there are some expenditures that we were able to tackle and but but yes I I think I feel very grateful that >> in this year that we will still have a budget in the that adds to our fund balance >> right >> in the bleakest of times right so yes >> and that I think is important for also you know we have to have by policy we have to have a 25% fund balance >> that's correct >> um So then in the fund balance um what um what was the percentage um increase in um property taxes did you account for? >> So for for even >> for the for the um projections >> okay so

146so for even numbered years and zero >> for odd numbered years I use 3% growth >> okay >> which is the CPI we had 2.9 this year So, >> so there there's certainly a chance that we could be as high as five. Hancock would let us go as high as 5%. >> Okay. >> So, okay. >> I tried to use a realistic number there. >> Yeah. >> But that that's the number that our projections were built on. >> Okay. Perfect. Okay. >> Um and then how many are left in the tech fund? And you if you don't know that number off the top of your head, you can get back to >> I know the I know the delineation that we used was that our uh assistant or technology assistants I want to use the

147right term so I'm looking at Mary but at the building level are the ones that we pulled out into operating. So our folks who operate out of the district office are the ones that are left there. So, I'm in my brain I'm thinking 5 to 6. If you could just >> do you mind getting that? >> I I I think I could provide that for you as soon as uh 9:30 tonight. But >> yeah, you're fine in the morning. >> Um >> Okay. And then um Okay. Then so you said oops sorry. So then you said that the SAT um first of all I think it's really important to recognize that like you're building a budget on on something that you don't have any control of how much you're going to get from the state.

148And I think that that is really really tough, right? So you're you're like we're living on a hope and a prayer um that we get that much, but that isn't always the case, right? So this year you're you are this next year it's um six how much? What was that number? >> So So the number that I used was 6,845. >> Okay. That's what They're saying we may get to 6865. >> Okay. And you feel confident that we'll get that whole amount? >> I feel confident that we'll get 68.45. >> 6845. And that's what we're budgeting. >> That's what we're budgeting on. Yeah. Okay. >> Because of those contributions that they made from general revenue sources. So, I was deep in the weeds in the last couple of weeks of like literally on the phone.

149>> Yeah. What where where is this revenue coming from? because we know that the money from the blind pension fund is there and we know that the capital renovation fund is there. We don't know what the gaming >> funding will be. So there is a portion of gaming funding that's still propping up the formula and I just sort of wanted to ignore that and pretend like it didn't exist. So we may come in, everyone may start going back to the casinos. It may be a great year and I'll look silly for being so cautious, but >> yeah. I mean, I think that then we'll be >> Yeah, we lived it this year and so I felt like that would be a responsible number. >> Yeah. Okay, perfect. And then I know that they had left

150money on the table that the legislature had. >> So that was Prop C specific. Okay. >> There was a balance in Proposition C that could have been appropriated to us for FY27. and they chose not to. >> Okay. >> So, our Props Cy number that we used here is is not including the money that's sitting in the district trust fund at the state level. We will get that money eventually, but the soonest we can now get it would be FY28. And I'll be honest, the reason why they said they kept it is because they were worried about what the formula would look like and they wanted to make sure Prop C was very healthy. >> Okay? >> Uh because they were worried that the one-time funding that's helping us for next year in 27 may

151not be there in 28. So, let's make sure we can do everything we can to keep Prop C as high as possible. >> Yeah. And I, you know, to be quite honest, I think that we don't rely a lot on this state. I think what's more concerning it will be if we get hit with a property tax. >> I think that's what and I' I I feel like that's been the messaging you've heard from me since the beginning. >> The formula stuff is annoying and and it and it is changing our narrative. There's no question about it. But if we get property tax changes without uh thoughtful consideration, that's what harms districts like ours more. >> Absolutely. >> And so I think you know to to um Mr. U Hardy's point that also has a

152slow grow built into it. Correct. Uh, as far as property tax goes, >> if if they were to put a property tax, they would put a clause in there to slow >> roll. Often it is stairstepped, right? So you don't feel it all at once. Yes, that's true. Yeah, that's true. >> Yeah. I mean, I just think that it's really important to recognize that we are in a very very volatile time and um >> I think that is important and that is true, Gene Marie, that it is different than what we're used to recently. >> Uh we are in great shape. >> Very lucky to be in the district that we're in and in the financial position that we're we're in. We're very very >> I'm happy that we had a slide that talked about

153the increases in expenditures instead of going the other direction, >> right? Absolutely. And I think that's what a lot of districts will be having to do. >> I'm afraid I'm afraid so. Yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you. >> I'm just going to say thank you for the really conservative way you're approaching this and you know the cautious optimism. Hope for the best, expect the worst. Um, and you know, again, I'll echo what others have said. We're very lucky to be in the position we're in, but we we need to be vigilant. So, thank you. I look forward to talking to you more about this and getting this budget set. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> Okay. 9.01. These are policies that have been presented to you all for a

154first reading. Um they'll be brought to us on June 22nd um for a second reading and approval. And I'll remind you all in an email later this week about how to read them, what parts pink, what parts green, what it all means, because there are a whole lot of them. Um and then we these are not sort of mandated to comply with law. So we have a little wiggle room. So these we need to read carefully and um then we can you can share your concerns and ideas with Dr. Rumpus and with me. Um future events, we have a board work session on June 8th. We have the board business meeting on June 22nd. School is out on Thursday, so be prepared. Um, and then we need to, um, sorry, I need a motion to

155go into closed session for personnel. >> So moved to Andrews, second, Heer. >> And we need a roll call vote. Dr. Hill, >> Mr. Mr. Harding. >> Yes. >> Miss Hubburn. >> Yes. >> Miss Andrews. >> Yes. >> Miss Motika. Yes. It passes.