A motion to approve the district’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan drew many questions from board members who were seated in December on Monday evening. Business Manager Belinda Wallen and School Board President Alice Broadway stressed the $4.5 million plan is the first step in a multifaceted process.
“This is a plan of what we are looking at for the next five years and it does, and can, change,” Broadway said.
Wallen explained the projects must next be approved as part of the annual district budgeting process. From there, the board must review and grant final approval to any project that costs more than $24,500. Broadway noted only one project, resealing the administration building’s parking lot in 2028-29, falls below that threshold.
The board will discuss its 2026-27 budget in the coming months, which includes the following proposed projects:
- Building envelope repair, $38,405
- Building finish repair and replace, $35,560
- Property/Building Safety and Security Upgrades/Enhancements, $46,672
- LED Sign at the Administration Building, $40,000
- Grill and Hood for Warrior Stadium Concession Stand, $50,000
- Middle School and Lincoln Elementary Parking Lot Seal Coat and Striping, $46,675
- Middle School Door Hold Open Device, $50,000
- High School Terrazzo Flooring Repair, $27,510
- High School Indoor Running Track Resurface, $90,000
- High School Magnetic Door Hold Open Device, $50,000
- LED Sign at the High School, $40,000
- High School Sewage Pump Station Backup Generator, $150,000
The board also unanimously approved routine agenda items covering financial and human resources matters, as well as a set of policy updates.
Balance Sheet 101
Prior to the meeting, the board held a special session during which Wallen explained how to read the balance sheet on the district’s annual audit.
Wallen explain that as of June 30, 2025 the district had $7.2 million in the General Fund, which includes investments, state and federal income, interest, tax revenue, and the restricted fund balance.
The Capital Project Reserve Fund was $3.034 million with the Capital Projects Bond Fund at $1.355 million.
Wallen stressed each fund must be used for its intended purpose.
“It is not that we are holding funds, we have funds set for a specific purpose that is not always available for general appropriations,” she said.
Other business
During reports to the board, it was noted that about 77 percent of district students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, underscoring the level of economic need in the community. Board members requested updated information on the number of students experiencing housing instability and the services provided to support them.
