Colonial School District

The meeting focused on reviewing financial reports. Key discussions included the Monthly Variance Report as of December 2025, noting that only half of local taxes had been received and that the Discretionary Budget expenditure looked heavy at 36% spent. The projected balances for the end of the 3rd and 4th Quarters were presented and accepted. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Final Budget for SY2026, detailing percentage changes in various revenue and expenditure categories, and noted concerns regarding federal positions if federal funding remains unchanged.

The meeting agenda includes initial proceedings such as call to order and flag salute, followed by addressing additions and corrections to the agenda and the approval of the agenda itself. Key discussion topics listed involve the Student Member (Non-Voting) on the Colonial School Board. Updates are scheduled for various associations and board committees, including the Delaware School Boards Association, Chief School Officers Association, Redding Consortium, Strategic Planning, and the Major Capital Construction Review Committee. The agenda also allocates time for public comment and a consent agenda covering Board Meeting Minutes, Education, Operations & Finance, and Personnel. Action items include updates on Leadership and Learning ('WE Read') and the approval of the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar and Holiday Schedule, as well as a review and approval of the Colonial School District Strategic Plan.

The committee reviewed the Monthly Variance Report as of November 2025, noting that the fiscal year was 42% complete. Key discussion points regarding revenue included awaiting a significant portion of state funds and concerns over low local funds due to a tax rate reassessment, potentially necessitating a short-term loan from the State. Expenditure discussions covered school budgets running high but manageable with adjustments, increased costs due to added Constables, and volatile copy center budget. Restricted funds review noted high technology spending, with potential future fee implementation, while transportation funds were under budget. The committee ultimately recommended approval of the variance report.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and the approval of the agenda. Key organizational discussions involved the nomination and election of the Board President, with Mr. Chris P. elected, and the subsequent election of the Vice President, Ms. Chris Smith. The Executive Assistant, Dr. Jeffrey Menor, was appointed to the role of Executive Secretary of the board, in accordance with Delaware Code. The board also moved to adopt Robert's Rules of Order as the guideline for proceedings. The main financial discussion centered on the Fiscal Year 2025 tax rate recommendation, which was comprised of four components: Current Expenses, Debt Service, Match Tax, and Tuition. The Chief Operating Financial Officer confirmed that no increase in the tax rate for the current year was necessary due to healthy cash balances, despite increases in funding for current expenses based on a previously successful referendum and new allocations for enhanced Minor Capital Improvement funding and an Athletic Trainer block grant. Furthermore, the board unanimously voted to reappoint the same representatives from the previous year for the DSBA Board of Directors and legislative roles.

The Executive Session was called to order at 6:00 P.M. for the purpose of discussing specific personnel matters and legal issues. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn for the purpose of going into Regular Session.