REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING
Board President Kinnie Ledford called the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler reviewed the district’s proposed tax rate and recommended approval of Resolution 27-007. No taxpayers signed up to speak. Revenue Neutral Resolution
The Board adopted Resolution 27-007 authorizing USD 465 to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2026-27 budget year. The motion carried 6-1. The hearing adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
BUDGET HEARING
The Budget Hearing was called to order at 5:45 p.m. Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler provided a summary of the proposed 2026-27 budget, including budget authority, capital outlay, contingency, and bond and interest funds. One member of the public addressed the Board with questions and comments regarding the budget and revenue neutrality. The hearing adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Board Members: President Kinnie Ledford called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All Board members were present: Roy Andreas, Andrea Ball, Greg Follmer, Kinnie Ledford, Sarah Morton, Jalaine Richardson, and Ed Trimmer.
USD 465 Mission Statement - "Developing responsible citizens for the future"
Adoption of Agenda
The agenda was amended to include additional personnel under the Consent Agenda. Jalaine Richardson moved to adopt the agenda as amended. Andrea Ball seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
Citizen’s Open Forum and Communications
A community member commented on the importance of using local businesses when possible. Board members also recognized the high school yearbook, the high school library’s Constitution Day display, and the work of district staff on the budget.
Business
Budget Approval
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler reviewed the district’s 2026-27 budget and tax rate. The district’s revenue neutral rate is 45.235 mills, while the proposed tax rate is 46.592 mills, essentially maintaining the district’s mill rate from the prior year. Maintaining the mill rate is projected to generate approximately $161,482 in additional local revenue, or about 2.3%. USD 465’s 46.592 mill rate was reported as the lowest among 19 comparable 4A through 6A districts in the South Central Kansas business officials group, where the average mill rate is 56.492 mills. Mr. Bressler also reviewed the structure of the budget.
During discussion, questions were raised regarding revenue neutrality, bond proceeds and interest, and the amount budgeted for gifts and grants. Mr. Bressler clarified that the Gifts and Grants Fund represents spending authority for donations and grants received by the district and is not revenue generated through local property taxes. The amount budgeted may vary depending on donations received, grants awarded, and expenditures from those funds.
The Board also reviewed attendance center needs assessments, state assessment results, and related information used during budget development. Identified priorities included attracting and retaining licensed and classified staff, continuing Capturing Kids’ Hearts, implementing evidence-based instructional materials, strengthening mentoring for new teachers, supporting professional development for aides and paraprofessionals, and maintaining a focus on standards and professional collaboration.
The Board adopted Local Option Budget Resolution 27-008, setting the district’s Local Option Budget at 33% for the 2026-27 school year. The motion carried 7-0.
Kinnie Ledford moved to approve the FY 2026-27 budget as presented. Sarah Morton seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
Board Member Representative for Professional Learning Advisory Board Kinnie Ledford moved to appoint Ed Trimmer to serve as the Board of Education representative on the Professional Learning Advisory Board for a three-year term beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Jalaine Richardson seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0, with Ed Trimmer abstaining.
Professional Learning Plan Update
The Board reviewed updates to the district’s five-year Professional Learning Plan, including PLAB membership, clarification of Section 4.6 regarding professional learning points earned in another district, additional resources in Appendix C, and changing the PLAB meeting schedule from August-April to August-May. Andrea Ball moved to approve the changes to the Professional Learning Plan. Sarah Morton seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
Assistant Superintendent Report
Assistant Superintendent Phil Bressler provided updates regarding personnel, bus cameras, transportation, the financial summary, the FY25 audit, and bond projects. Transportation routes are being covered while the district prepares to interview candidates for Director of Transportation. Eight large-scale bond projects have been completed approximately $198,000 under estimates, with additional projects underway.
Superintendent Report
Superintendent Tricia Reiser provided updates regarding grants and donations, September Count Day, enrollment, family engagement activities, and the district’s work related to AI, screen time, and acceptable use. Current enrollment was reported at 1,852. The district is continuing to correct data transferred from PowerSchool into Skyward in preparation for Count Day. Family engagement activities are being expanded across the district. The Blue Ribbon Task Force will reconvene to develop recommendations for AI, screen time, and acceptable use policies following State Board guidance expected in November.
Consent Agenda
A. Personnel, including additional personnel
B. Approval of August 2026 BOE Minutes
C. Acceptance of Grants / Donations
D. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Report
Ed Trimmer moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Andrea Ball seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0.
Upcoming Events
• No School: Friday, September 18 - Walnut Valley Festival
• BOE Regular Meeting: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Lowell Elementary, 1404 Millington Street.
• Annual KASB Convention: November 6-8, 2026 in Wichita, Kansas
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.