Melissa Cunningham

The meeting included campus and athletics reports, where growth in numbers and strong student sportsmanship were noted. The Board of Trustees received special recognition for their service. Key business actions involved the approval of the Ideal Impact Services Agreement and its associated Payment Plan Agreement. The Board also granted authority to the Superintendent to negotiate and potentially purchase up to $100,000 per unit for six portable classrooms for the Elementary campus. Resolutions were approved concerning the appointment of CAD as Agent in the Property Value Study and the approval of the 2026 Board of Trustee Election Notice and Order. The consent agenda included the approval of financial reports and amendments. Superintendent updates covered the financial forecast, enrollment figures (1,394 current vs. 1,358 last year), progress on a new Palmer Pride video, upcoming bond election work, and the notification that the school calendar would be presented in February. The Board held a closed session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the approval of the Superintendent's contract extension.

The special meeting included a call to order led by an invocation from a guest. The agenda consisted of an Open Forum session followed by Business items, specifically a pre-meeting discussion of an agenda item.

The meeting included a Public Hearing providing an overview of the School FIRST financial rating system, where the district achieved a perfect score of 100. Key business items involved the consideration and approval of the Annual Financial Audit Report for the 2024-2025 School Year, which resulted in a clean audit with no findings and an $8.7 million general fund balance. The Board also approved TASB Policy Update 126. Superintendent discussions covered enrollment numbers, which showed an increase from the previous year, a report on single-family housing permits, and future facility use findings indicating that current elementary enrollment exceeds capacity, necessitating plans for classroom additions estimated at $11-15 million or immediate portable buildings. The superintendent also provided an update noting the departure of an employee and the district's plan to upgrade two-way radios to include bus communication.

The meeting included campus reports and the approval of the official ballot and resolution to elect Board of Directors for the Ellis Appraisal District for 2025-2026. The consent agenda, encompassing financial and budget reports, amendments, and minutes from previous meetings, was approved. Discussions covered a checklist item regarding asbestos abatement in portable buildings. The Superintendent's report included updates on enrollment numbers, district developments, and housing permits. The board also considered resignations, assignments, reassignments, or other personnel matters.

The Palmer Independent School District held a special meeting that included an open forum and a Team of Eight Training led by Dr. Russell Marshall.