Rheta McClain

The proposed budget for FY 2026 includes discussions on various funds such as the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, Debt Service, and Public School Fund (PSF). Key highlights involve state foundation program allocations, classroom instructional support, school nurse program funding, technology coordination, career tech operations and maintenance, and the Alabama Reading Initiative. The budget also covers transportation, the RAISE Act, state preschool, and the preschool program (K4). Additional areas of focus are EFT advancement and technology, general fund revenues and expenses, Title I, Title II, Title IV, Perkins, Title V, IDEA, child nutrition, fleet renewal, and capital outlay.

The proposed annual budget for the Butler County Board of Education includes revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026. The budget encompasses funds from State, Federal, Local, and Other sources. It details financial resources assigned to various programs, with consideration given to budget constraints and requirements from governing authorities. Key areas covered include instructional services, support services, operations and maintenance, auxiliary services, administrative services, capital outlay, debt services, and other expenditures.

The meeting covered various topics including the approval of the agenda, an audit exit report, personnel matters, fundraising drives, a superintendent's report, and financial reports. The superintendent's report detailed preparations for the upcoming school year, including the purchase of supplies like sanitizing solutions, hand sanitizers, water bottle filling stations, scanning thermometers, and fogging units. Discussions also included the school calendar, a moratorium on grade acceleration, policy revisions, and budget allocations from state and federal governments.

This regular meeting included recognition of outstanding staff and students, with a focus on the mechanics' contributions to keeping school buses safe and operational. Discussions covered student achievement, particularly the need to address students falling behind at younger ages. The meeting also addressed the Alabama Literacy Act, which mandates that third-graders who fail state tests will not advance to fourth grade. Textbook availability was discussed, clarifying that sufficient books exist but distribution methods need review. A new RTI (Response to Instruction) process was presented, aiming for proactive identification of struggling students, including a focus on dyslexia screening. Finally, the meeting covered the upcoming transition to a new student information system and the need for additional technology support staff.

This regular meeting included reports on student performance, focusing on special education students' progress in reading and math. Discussions covered school climate, staff appreciation, and the evaluation process. The meeting also addressed facility and technology improvements, including standardization of cleaning procedures. Updates were provided on budget amendments, safety and security plans, and communication efforts with community leaders. Reports also included information on the band program's growth and fundraising efforts, and the special education department's progress and initiatives.