Austin Boydston

The committee reviewed the district budget, discussing the financial impact of online and homeschool programs, potential staffing reductions, teacher workload implications, and the allocation of funds from property sales. Discussion also covered capital project needs, insurance cost increases, and the necessity of aligning salary and benefit costs with revenue. Additionally, the committee evaluated the current educator effectiveness standards, focusing on proficiency in goal setting versus historical growth measures. The meeting concluded with the formal appointment of the new District Advisory Committee Chair.

The meeting included reports on several key operational areas. The superintendent reported on the successful award of a $75,000 multi-year grant to expand career and technical education and career-connected learning. The board also received updates on legislative matters affecting education funding and property utilization, including discussion of a bill concerning workforce housing development on district properties. Other topics included the progress of the primary school principal search, the status of offers for the East Street property, and the ongoing development of social-emotional learning curriculum through the Sources of Strength program. Board reports highlighted midyear NWA assessment data, plans for a retirement celebration, Title I funding uses, and the expansion of concurrent enrollment courses through a partnership with Western Colorado University, which aims to offer hybrid general education courses at a reduced cost compared to previous providers. Additionally, the Middle School reported on student participation in a regional science fair and the implementation of the Individualized Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) program.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A key segment focused on celebrations regarding staff and student achievements, specifically highlighting the work being done at the intermediate school related to four focus areas for students. A presentation detailed the positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) system, including the use of 'paws' for immediate recognition, weekly drawings, and quarterly Wolverine assemblies for academic and attendance successes. Classroom-level celebrations such as writing positive messages on desks, pet parades, student-led teaching segments, and class currency rewards were also discussed. Furthermore, there was discussion on promoting citizenship through group discussions and creating relevant content, as well as methods for responding to inappropriate behaviors by focusing on positive reinforcement.

The board meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. The primary focus of the session was a presentation regarding the 2025-2026 midyear budget amendment, which involved detailed reviews of various fund categories, including Fund 10 actuals. Discussion covered funding assumptions, noting a state shift from a five-year to a four-year average pupil count for funding calculations, and an overall increase in per-student funding despite the change in averaging methodology. The presenters reviewed year-to-date expenditures against the amended budget, noting the district is trending at 47% usage halfway through the year. Specific attention was given to instructional services expenses, confirming that current reductions were due to accounting rectifications related to payroll liabilities and health benefit assumptions, with no direct impact on staffing levels or student programming. Furthermore, an increase in transportation costs was attributed to necessary, previously unforecasted, specialized transportation for a student.

The meeting commenced with the approval of an appointment to fill a board vacancy, welcoming Michelle Yos to the position and administering her oath of office. Discussions followed regarding board committee assignments, where Michelle Yos was assigned to the Finance Committee alongside Justin, while the BOSEISE committee remained with one representative. The Superintendent's report covered updates on the East Street property, noting that market analyses were completed, realtors were secured, and photographs were taken in preparation for listing the property. The report also addressed a recent communication from current tenants regarding the property, clarifying misunderstandings and confirming ongoing partnership efforts. Furthermore, updates were provided on the data pipeline submission, audit finalization, and the process for the midyear budget amendment, which involves account-by-account revisions based on a lower-than-projected state revenue stream due to lower student counts, partially offset by higher tax assessed value. Finally, board member reports included updates from DAC, which involved reorganizing structure to align with state guidance and presented high and low points from recent student experience, parent/caregiver, and employee experience surveys, along with action plans to address identified areas for improvement.