Photo Courtesy of USD 379
Topics discussed during USD 379’s monthly Board meeting on July 14th included: Approval of 2025 Statements and Contracts, Revenue Neutral Rate, Title Funding, District Kickoff, and more.
Motions were made and carried on the agendas pertaining to financial statements, donations, TLEC Contract Services for nursing and speech services for the 2025-2026 school year, and building usage for the month.
Superintendent Brett Nelson presented the Superintendent Report for the month. The report detailed health insurance updates and highlighted the impact of withheld Title funds. The report provided the Kansas Education Commissioners’ statement, stating the funds are under review, with the delay possibly affecting services such as Teacher and School Leader Support, English Learners, Academic Enrichment, and more. The Commissioner finished by stating there was no timetable, if any, of when the funds may be released, and districts should plan accordingly.
Anita Breen, TLEC Director, presented her director’s report to the Board. There are still Paraeducators and a Special Education Teacher needed in the TLEC area. They are currently working on a file review with the State of Kansas. The state is reviewing IEPs for data verification of schools outside of the district. The report also previewed upcoming trainings and listed the Advisory Board for the next school year; there was no personnel change from the previous year.
Jaclyn Pfizenmaier, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented her monthly board report. The District Kickoff will take place on August 12th; all staff will report to the high school that morning. Following the kickoff will be professional growth days and work days, leading up to the first day of school on August 19th or 20th. The report detailed updates on Federal Funding. The district will need to cut funding to Professional Learning for FY26 if funding is not released. The After School Programs may be affected by the second semester also if they do not receive funding. USD 379 will plan and operate accordingly if federal funds are changed.
A motion was made to give final approval on the 2025-2026 Revenue Neutral Rate. The report outlined two options on the table. Due to the sharp decline in enrollment and state funding, a motion was made to adopt Option B, which would allocate 6 mills to Capital Outlay and 6.8 mills to Bond & Interest. This option does exceed the 50 mill, which requires a public hearing. The Hearing is scheduled to take place at the September 8th Board meeting. Option B was chosen and passed 5-1.
The Board reviewed policy updates, school year appointments, technology services, and meal prices for the upcoming school year. After reviewing all policies, appointments, prices, and services, the Board motioned and carried all updates.
The meeting finished with the approval of staff employments and resignations. The Board will discuss graduation dates, the Tiger House, budget, and more during their next meeting in August. Board minutes can be viewed on the USD 379 Board website.