Dan Carstens

The discussion primarily focused on a financial workshop covering three distinct funds: the Debt Service Fund (Fund 400), the Capital Projects Fund (also known as Capital Improvement Fund), and the Bond Projects Fund. The presenter detailed that the Debt Service Fund, financed by local property tax, is used for principal and interest payments on bonds, emphasizing that its health impacts future bonding ability, and noted a recent transfer of $800,000 from this fund for purchasing buses. The Capital Projects Fund expenditures consist of property and project costs, often involving shorter lifespan projects like interior painting or carpet replacement, to comply with regulations regarding bond funding lifespan matching project lifespan. The Bond Projects Fund derives proceeds from issuing bonds and currently holds a substantial starting fund balance, which covers budgeted projects for the year. A board member inquired about the restriction on using surpluses from these capital/debt funds for the General Fund, and the presenter clarified that these funds are highly restricted for use on projects and maintenance, not educational positions or general operating costs like utilities.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and the flag salute. The Superintendent's report included updates on the start of the second semester, a reminder about financial disclosure statements being due, and recognition of the board president for her service. Board reports covered various topics, including updates on winter sports, the conclusion of finals, upcoming wrestling senior night, and a prom fundraiser event at Carson High School. Silver Campus updates mentioned the search for a new Student Board representative, upcoming ACCESS testing for LEP students, and the Carson High School speech and debate tournament, with a request for volunteer judges. The Nevada Association of School Boards (NASBY) update focused on a survey due date and planning for the next conference. School reports highlighted the Carson High Bowling team's first-place finish and a senior athlete signing with Clark University, academic awards and fundraising events at Boardwick Bray, and recognition of a pre-K teacher at Fritz Elementary. Eagle Valley Middle School reported on ACCESS testing and volleyball activities. Empire Elementary noted attendance improvement systems and upcoming awards assemblies and a talent show. The primary action item was the election of officers for the ensuing year, including nominations for the board president, vice president, and clerk positions.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and a flag salute. The superintendent's report featured an introduction of the 2026 Carson High School Winterfest Royal Court candidates, who shared their positive experiences with dress-up days and evening activities. The report also covered the selection of Mrs. Shannon Slayman as the next vice principal for Border Bay Elementary School, and the formal posting of a vacancy notice for Carson City School Board Trustees District 5. Board reports highlighted significant activities across various schools, including multilingual learner progress and field trips at Mark Twain; the AVID showcase and PTA regrouping at Fremont; the Week of Kindness and upcoming talent show at Celiger; success of Winterfest, charity collection for the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Society, and the championship win for Carson High Bowling; and updates on testing and athletics at CMS and Eagle Valley. Additionally, updates from the Nevada Association of School Boards regarding upcoming professional development training were provided. A trustee also reported on a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting where a recommendation was made to the board of supervisors regarding a proposed 20% fee increase for pool and MAC usage, excluding children and seniors.

The session began with a workshop focused on budgetary discussions, specifically addressing adult education and prison education funds within the Carson City School District. The board reviewed the structure of 30 total funds, noting five state education funds (General Fund, PCFP funds for English Learner, At Risk, and Gifted and Talented, and the Debt Service fund). A detailed presentation was given on the Adult Education Fund (Fund 230), outlining expenditures for salaries, benefits, and advertising, noting that revenues are state-sourced and expenditures net to zero. Subsequently, the board reviewed the Adult Education Correctional Fund (Fund 235, incorrectly labeled as Fund 230 initially), which is also state-funded, detailing that its primary expenditures cover 75% of the director's salary and benefits and six prison program teachers, also budgeting to net zero. The board planned future workshops for other funds, including the General Fund, Gifts and Donations, Summer School Programs, Debt Service, Capital Projects, and Bond Projects. Following the workshop, the formal board meeting was called to order, the agenda was adopted, and the Superintendent provided a brief report thanking past leadership for organizing a recent board retreat and clarifying an upcoming holiday observance.

The meeting began with a brief recess before reconvening to public session. Agenda items included the adoption of the agenda and an adjournment to a closed session to discuss labor relations. The public session featured recognition of several district staff members for their outstanding contributions: Dan Etchabaria for engaging students through historical dress-up; Race Malmed for creating a successful attendance and behavior incentive program at Celiger Elementary; Connie Cortez for compassionate service to students with the greatest needs at Empire; Christy Keley Goldberg for managing duties across two school sites; Brendan Dowling for acting as a spirited superfan at a Carson High School game; and recognition of successful fall sports seasons at Carson High School. Additionally, the superintendent provided updates on upcoming minimum days, the start of Christmas break, and professional development days in January. Student reports highlighted Carson High School's holiday spirit week and mental well-being initiatives, and Silver Campus's hosting of a hair stylist/barber community event, upcoming pinewood derby races, and the completion of a small interactive garden. A separate report noted the success of the Carson High Speech and Debate team and their need for judges. Finally, there were numerous congratulatory announcements regarding awards received at the NASBY conference, including honors for Director of the Year, Individual School Board Member of the Year, New School Board Member of the Year, and Board Administrative Assistance of the Year. Updates from the Nevada Association of School Boards mentioned nominations for several other district personnel for various awards, and highlights from a joint board meeting, including approving lobbying services and electing a new association president.