Erin Dowen

The board discussed the proposed 2026-2027 ISD budget, focusing on funding practices, fund balance usage, and student support services. There was an update on the Trojan Build program, covering the sale of the current home, planning for future builds, and student participation in construction competitions. Additionally, the board reviewed a presentation on student achievement, analyzing reading and mathematics performance data, assessment trends, and instructional strategies for academic growth.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on several key topics. These included the approval of multiple overnight field trips for high school athletic and educational programs, the adoption of the Monroe County ISD budget, and the approval of a listing contract and budget for the Trojan Home Build projects. The board also approved the extension of the food service management contract, the formal adoption of the Trojan Academy, and the purchase of updated textbooks for the AP Statistics course. Additionally, the board held a closed session regarding personnel matters and discussed the district budget, social-emotional learning, and various community and student programs.

The board conducted a work session focusing on the development of the 2026/2027 budget, reviewing district operations, academic supports, school-based health services, childcare programming, athletics, transportation, and facility usage. Additionally, the board discussed the Trojan Academy program, focusing on its structure, student eligibility, staffing, growth, and the provision of alternative pathways for student success. The session also included opportunities for public commentary and general board member remarks on these topics.

The Board reviewed the Neola Policy Updates Volume 40-1, which included various revisions to policies covering curriculum development, nondiscrimination, homebound instruction, controlled substances, student assignment, graduation requirements, and student safety. Additionally, the Board discussed new policies regarding digital content accessibility and information security, while opting to rescind the electronic data processing disaster recovery plan.

The meeting was held to review and discuss the Neola Policy Updates Volume 40-1. Key policy revisions and additions addressed included curriculum development, nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, homebound instruction, controlled substance and alcohol policies for CMV drivers, district assignment procedures, graduation requirements, student bullying, digital content accessibility, organizational operations planning, and information security. Additionally, the Board moved to rescind the electronic data processing disaster recovery plan.