Rawlins County Unified School District 105

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including one addition. Public comment was solicited, resulting in a resident requesting that board members speak up during discussions. The board discussed and approved the consent agenda items, which included the payment of claims, acceptance of donations from the Verbus Family Charitable Fund and the Central Links for the Girls Golf performance initiative grant ($1,500). Discussions also covered a significant expenditure of approximately $6,300 for hotel rooms related to the state wrestling room, and clarification on the settlement process for utility costs incurred while temporarily housed at the Methodist Church, involving coordination with an insurance adjuster regarding non-profit status implications. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public presentation regarding grant information, including resources from Hansen, BT City, and Patterson, and a new grant opportunity for educator training and certification. Furthermore, a detailed discussion took place concerning the school bond proposal, review of community survey results showing support for various bond options, and deliberations on classroom sizing (current standard of approximately 700-800 square feet versus historical or potential smaller dimensions) and their financial implications, with a deadline approaching to submit bond documents to the state for an August vote.

The meeting included a Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, where discussion centered on the revenue side of the budget across four primary funds: General Fund, Capital Outlay, Bond Fund, and L Fund. Detailed discussions involved projected property tax evaluations, adjustments due to new legislation impacting the General Fund, and calculations for per-pupil funding authority. Significant time was dedicated to the Capital Outlay fund, discussing projected expenditures of $10 million for 2024-2025, covering costs such as modular facilities, insurance reimbursements (including secondary insurance and depreciation recovery), and other associated expenses. The board also addressed the mill rate for the L Fund, noting a decrease due to higher fund balances and increased state aid. A key action item involved passing Resolution 25-002 to authorize exceeding the revenue neutral tax rate for the 2024-2025 budget, which affects 2024 taxes despite the bond revenue taking effect in 2025. Furthermore, the board reviewed State assessment scores from the previous school year for Math, Reading, and Science, comparing district performance against state averages and noting areas for improvement, particularly reducing scores in the lowest achievement tier.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included the consent agenda items, which involved the approval of minutes from the January 19th, 2026 regular meeting and payments of claims, including a detailed inquiry regarding a bill from Mac Gordon concerning stored materials like plumbing supplies and rooftop units. Old business featured an update on multiple construction projects (Areas A, B, and E). Area A is progressing with miscellaneous metal installation and impending metal decking installation, followed by rough-ins for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Area B involved the wash down and inspection of the existing gymnasium roof, with demolition planned around spring break for classroom rework. Area E construction is focused on completing foundation wall pours, underground rough-ins, and prepping for slab on grade and structural steel installation in subsequent phases. New business involved a presentation on building project funds, detailing the budget derived from bond funds, insurance, depreciation, and specific donations, aligning with guaranteed maximum prices for various project components including gym renovation and utility systems.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and included a brief open forum segment. Key old business involved the discussion and subsequent approval of the CM contract with Ma Gordon Construction, which had undergone legal review regarding warranty and subguard details. Discussions also covered fleet management, specifically the valuation of a Dodge Stratus used for driver's education, and the status of existing rental storage pods containing athletic equipment, band uniforms, and library books following facility damage. New business included an action item for the purchase of additional 20-foot storage containers to manage inventory and facilitate upcoming renovation work in the gym and commons areas. A request was made to ensure contract and quote documentation is provided to the Board several days in advance of meetings for proper review.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including an amendment to add item G under agenda section 006 for discussion and action on an imaginary agreement. The consent agenda included approval of claims and minutes from the June 16th regular meeting and June 25th special meeting. Discussions arose regarding contractor payments, specifically involving BHC (surveying/civil engineering) and M Gordon, as well as unexpected add-on costs related to asbestos removal and window removal which were not included in initial bids. The board also addressed reorganization appointments, including the mandated placement of five school makeup days on the calendar, specifically mentioning three random days and two pre-established days (Friday before spring break and Monday after Easter) to meet the 116 instructional hours requirement. The board approved handbook updates, including the transportation handbook, and discussed transportation liability related to staff and coaches driving after long days, particularly concerning vans and suburban vehicles. Appointments were also made for representatives to the NKSC board (Tim McI) and the Northwest Tech Board (Jordan). Finally, the board reviewed textbook fees for the 25-26 school year, approving a $0.10 increase across all meal fees while keeping book fees the same. A discussion centered on driver's education fees, determining that out-of-district students should be charged double the in-district rate to cover costs, as the district receives state aid for its enrolled students.