Revenue Neutral Hearing
5:30 p.m.
Board Members: Kinnie Ledford, president; Jalaine Richardson, vice-president; Sarah Morton; Andrea Ball; Ed Trimmer; Roy Andreas
Recognition of Visitors
Approval of Revenue Neutral Resolution
The Board of Education of USD 465 adopted a resolution expressing its property taxation policy concerning the financing of the 2025-26 annual budget through a levy exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate. Pursuant to K.S.A. 79-2988, any property tax levy that exceeds this Revenue Neutral Rate must be authorized by a formal resolution.
In accordance with this requirement, the Board conducted a public hearing on September 8, 2025, providing all interested taxpayers the opportunity to present oral testimony.
After careful consideration, the Board has determined that it remains necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate to adequately finance the 2025-26 budget.
Therefore, the Board formally resolves to adopt the 2025-26 budget with a property tax levy exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate as calculated and adjusted per K.S.A. 79-2988.
Adjournment of RNR Hearing
Budget Hearing
5:45 p.m.
Board Members Kinnie Ledford, president; Jalaine Richardson, vice-president; Sarah Morton; Andrea Ball; Ed Trimmer; Roy Andreas
USD 465 Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler provided an overview of the district’s budget for fiscal year 2025-26, as reported in the Courier Traveler on August 28, 2025.
The total taxes to be levied this year amount to just over $7 million, reflecting a modest increase of approximately $285,000 from the previous year. The most notable increase is in the Capital Outlay fund, which grants the district budget authority for major expenses.
Capital expenditures were $1.1 million in fiscal year 2024 and declined to just under $1 million in FY 2025. However, the FY 2026 budget shows a significant uptick to $5.4 million. This higher figure represents the budget authority rather than an intent to spend the entire amount. In reality, last year the district spent roughly $967,000 on capital projects.
Phil Bressler explained that budgeting this amount for capital outlay enables the district to maintain reserves for costly emergency repairs—such as HVAC system failures or bus replacements—that often run into six figures. By allocating a larger budget authority, the district can avoid tapping into contingency reserves if unexpected expenses arise.
The total mill levy for FY 2026 is set at 45.567 mills. Compared to other school districts in the Wichita metropolitan area and surrounding regions, USD 465’s mill rate is the second lowest. The only district with a lower rate applies no mill levy to Capital Outlay, whereas USD 465 includes approximately 5 mills for this purpose. Most neighboring districts have mill levies ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s.
Two years ago, USD 465’s mill levy stood at 47.7 mills and was reduced to 45.9 last year. To remain strictly revenue neutral this year, the district would have needed to lower the mill levy further to 44.748 — nearly 2 mills less than the current rate.
District administration and members of the school board emphasize their ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and maintaining a sustainable mill levy that balances prudent financial management with community needs. They plan to continue reviewing district finances closely, seeking line-item savings that can be reinvested in staff salaries and retention efforts—key priorities for maintaining a quality workforce.
Adjournment of Budget Hearing
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
6:00 p.m.
Board Members Kinnie Ledford, president; Jalaine Richardson, vice-president; Sarah Morton; Andrea Ball; Ed Trimmer; Roy Andreas
Communications
USD 465 Mission Statement
Board members read the USD 465 mission statement: 'Developing Responsible Citizens for the Future.'Recognition of Visitors
Visitors introduced themselves.Board Member Comments
Board members shared their appreciation for the high school administration, highlighting the good things happening at the school and how visible and involved the administrators have been with students and staff.
Budget Approval
The USD 465 Board of Education approved the FY 26 budget.
Construction Updates
Mr. Bressler updated the Board of Education on the construction timeline for the new secure entrance at Country View Elementary, with work scheduled to begin on September 19. During construction, the office will be relocated, and the entrance will be temporarily moved to the north side of the building. He also provided an update on the welding ventilation system at the high school, noting that Simpson Construction is assisting with the project and has sent out bids for the work.
Personnel Report
Mr. Bressler shared updates on recent hirings and resignations. Currently, there are 7 to 9 aide positions open. There is an ongoing need for School Psychologists, and a custodian/maintenance position is also available. We have hired some bus drivers recently, and the salary increase has been a big help in attracting them.
Instructional Coaches
Dr. Ray, the Director of Teaching and Learning, told the Board of Education that every elementary and secondary school has an instructional coach this year. These coaches are working together to lead the district’s Standards Work and help improve teaching and learning in their schools. They’ll also be focusing on studying and putting the Impact Cycle into practice.
Student Intervention Teams/504 Plans
Dr. Ray informed the Board of Education that the District Leadership Team has been revamping the Student Intervention Team (SIT) process, aiming to implement the revised process by the second nine weeks. The identification of 504 plans will also be incorporated into the SIT process.
Curriculum Council
Dr. Ray will be reinstating the Curriculum Council, which will include representatives from all grade levels and departments. The council’s primary responsibility will be to recommend curriculum adoptions and address a range of curriculum-related topics.
Math Adoption Update
Dr. Ray provided an update on the progress of the K-8 math curriculum adoption and outlined plans to begin the adoption process for the elementary social studies and high school math curricula.
Grants and Donations
Bryan & Julie Davis would like to make a $100 donation for Athletics; just a general donation, nothing specific.
RCB Bank donated $100 for our Back to School picnic, hosted by the WELC PTO. These funds will be used to purchase food items for the picnic.
Consent Agenda
Board members approved the following items.
Personnel
Approval of August, 2025 BOE Minutes
Approval of Gifts and Grants
Upcoming Events
No School – Friday, September 19 – Walnut Valley Festival
BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Winfield Early Learning Center – 509 East 8th.
Annual KASB Convention: November 14-16, in Wichita, KS