Jennifer Henderson

This document functions as a resource hub detailing the strategic planning process for the Concrete School District. It delineates the purpose, methodology, and timeline for developing a comprehensive strategic plan, emphasizing broad stakeholder input from students, staff, families, and the community. The process, facilitated by an external consultant, involves a Steering Committee and a Strategic Planning Committee that will gather feedback, review data, identify core values, and draft strategic priorities, culminating in the delivery of the final plan.

The meeting commenced with a review of meeting conduct policy and procedures, emphasizing standards of civility. Key discussion points included the review of monthly cash balances for October across various funds (General, Capital, ASB, Transportation Vehicle). A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presenting year-end finances, noting that actual enrollment exceeded budgeted enrollment for 2024-2025. Financial analysis covered fund balances, with the unassigned fund balance noted to be approximately $1.6 million after excluding the minimum required balance. Revenue sources were detailed, highlighting that state funding, local taxes, and federal sources constitute the major inflow, with variances largely attributed to higher than budgeted state funding due to enrollment and unbudgeted grants. Expenditure analysis detailed spending by program, noting that expenditures for programs like Title grants and special/pilot programs were offset by corresponding revenues, and a minor under-spend was observed in one Special Education category.

The session commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a confirmation of recording status and a check for public comments on agenda items. The primary initial discussion involved the administration of the oath of office for newly elected board members, specifically Pamela Snley and Christy Coggins. Following the oaths, future meeting dates were announced, including a regular work session and a regular board meeting in late January 2026. A proposal for a special board workshop on February 10th was introduced, intended as a training session on strategic planning, board governance, and roles versus superintendent roles, with a potential vote on proceeding with strategic planning scheduled for the February 26th board meeting. Board members discussed scheduling availability for the proposed workshop. Other topics included adjusting the levy collection date and general meeting adjournment procedures.

The meeting addressed administrative procedures, including the civility standards for meetings and the policy for audio/video recording. Key discussion points included the approval of previous meeting minutes and the consent agenda, which involved a correction regarding a personnel item being classified as a resignation rather than a leave of absence. A significant portion of the meeting involved a school report presenting December enrollment figures (505.16) and the October budget status report, noting that revenue receipt patterns are cyclical, heavily influenced by fall levy collections. Further discussion covered the logistics and implications of recent flood-related school closures and the management of instructional minutes required due to snow days, including the evaluation of calendar adjustments. The board also planned to review and accept a donation from PSSE in the following month to support emergency preparedness, specifically for finalizing the comprehensive school safety plan. Finally, the board recognized the service of two directors, Janet Culver (10 years) and Paul Roi (2021 to 2025), as this was their last meeting.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of the policy and procedure 1400 regarding meeting conduct. Key financial discussions included a review of enrollment trends through January, noting enrollment was above budget projections and would result in additional revenue due to the January adjustment; the budget status report through December 2025 showed revenues slightly behind expenditures, largely due to lagged grant claims, and detailed fund balances for the General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, ASB Fund, and Transportation Vehicle Fund. The student representative reported on various academic activities, including observance of Martin Luther King Day, science projects, Spanish class completion, and robotics accomplishments. Sports updates were provided for basketball and wrestling. The board also discussed an upcoming four-year Educational Programs and Operations levy replacement to be voted on in November 2025, detailing its purpose in funding essential services not covered by basic education funding, such as school nurses and mental health professionals. Finally, the board recognized board members for School Board Recognition Month and proceeded to elect board officers, confirming the chairman, nominating a new vice chair, and confirming legislative and WIAA representatives. New business included the approval of the revised 2025-2026 school calendar, which adjusted for flood days by using built-in snow days and making conference days half-days.