Marion Community School District

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda items (26-047 through 26-05). A board committee report detailed attendance and legislative updates from the ISBA annual gathering, specifically concerning proposed 'bell to bell' legislation restricting cell phone use and positive legislative interactions regarding education funding. Discussion followed regarding the non-resident student transfer request capacity, recommending a deadline of August 31, 2026, and setting maximum acceptance numbers per grade level. The board also received an update on the personal finance class offered at McKulla Junior High School, reviewing its curriculum covering financial literacy, budgeting, debt management, and consumer awareness. The benefit of the program in addressing the knowledge gap between student learning and adult financial limitations was highlighted, along with appreciation for alumni support funding the Ramsey financial literacy program.

The meeting commenced with recognition of three teachers who earned the Mary Clark Family Teaching Excellence Award: Hannah Lindsay from Francis Slo, Paul Gets from Allen Elementary School, and Josiah Henson from Justice Intermediate School. The discussion also involved the introduction and welcome of new personnel, including Ryan Aguilar, moving to Chief Academic Officer for K through 8, and the appointment of Cedric Tinker as the new Transportation Director. Consent agenda items, including minutes from previous executive and regular sessions (May 27, 2025, and June 3, 2025), the Personnel Report, Expenditure Approval List, and Head Start related documents, were approved. Board members expressed pride in the staff's dedication and passion for student success and congratulated a boys relay team for their state finals representation.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence followed by comments to the public regarding procedures for speaking. Key discussion items focused on the consent agenda, which was approved unanimously. The main discussion centered on a business report covering financial snapshots for 2025 and 2026, highlighting revenue and expenditures for the education fund, including the impact of declining ADM (enrollment) and transfers to the operations fund. Significant attention was given to the operations fund, detailing rising salary and benefit costs (a 28% increase over five years while enrollment decreased) and the substantial impact of circuit breaker losses, amounting to over $2.6 million in lost levy revenue. Potential savings targets for 2026, specifically a 13.5% reduction in the operations fund, were discussed, focusing on transportation efficiency, reduced bus purchases, maintenance efficiency, and utilizing bond funds for capital projects. The certified budget for 2026 was presented, totaling over $47.2 million in spending authority.

The meeting commenced with the consent agenda, which included minutes from executive sessions and regular meetings, personnel reports, expenditure approvals, financial reports, and requisitions to raise funds for various school activities such as art classes, volleyball, baseball, and softball. Following the approval of the consent agenda items (25-253 through 25-262), the board proceeded to approve the appointment of Miss Sue Nicholson to the Marian Public Library Board as treasurer. The session also included comments from the Marian Teacher Association, largely centered around expressing Thanksgiving wishes. Finally, the acceptance of numerous donations totaling $122,4501 for the year was read aloud, with specific contributions noted from Jersey Mike's subs and the MHS Alumni Association for various school programs and teams.

The meeting commenced with the election of officers for the 2026 year, including the President (Alan Beck), First Vice President (Chuck Griffin), Second Vice President (Shannon Bento), and Secretary (Gabe Delgado). The board subsequently authorized the board president to appoint members to necessary committees. Key action items involved the reappointments of Kyle Persinger as board attorney and Dr. Orurrell as school medical director for 2026. The board also approved the consent agenda items 26-00001 through 26-016, the GRCC course description guide (26-017), and action items for the approval of the 2025 appropriation transfers, liability insurance renewal, and an insurance settlement agreement (26-023). Discussion also covered accepting numerous significant donations totaling $29,844.99 for various programs and classes.