USD 231 Board Briefs (Sept. 2026)

REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING

Revenue Neutral Hearing (2.1)

The Board approved the evening’s agenda unanimously before moving into the required revenue-neutral rate and budget hearings. During the revenue-neutral rate hearing, no members of the public came forward to provide comments. The Board then considered a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral tax rate for the 2026–27 budget. Because state law requires four affirmative votes, the resolution failed after receiving three yes votes and two no votes, with one board member absent.

BUDGET HEARING

Budget Hearing (3.1)

Following the revenue-neutral rate hearing, the Board formally opened the 2026–27 budget hearing. The purpose of the hearing was to provide members of the public an opportunity to comment on the district’s proposed budget before Board action was taken. No patrons came forward to speak during the hearing. Administration noted that the formal hearing requirements had been completed and that discussion and possible action on the proposed budget would take place later in the regular Board meeting. The budget hearing was then formally adjourned.

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation from Edgerton Elementary School (5.1)

Edgerton Elementary Principal Jenny Adrian highlighted an inclusion initiative led by life skills teacher Christina Mignot that gives students throughout the school opportunities to learn and participate alongside their life skills peers. Students rotate together through specials, recess, and classroom activities, while general education classes also visit the life skills classroom to learn about different forms of communication, adaptive tools, and ways to support one another. Several students shared how the program has helped them make new friends, become more comfortable around people with different needs, and better understand how classmates can support one another.

View the slide deck HERE.

GRANTS AND DONATIONS

Grants and Donations (8.1)

The Board recognized community and anonymous contributions supporting staff appreciation and student needs across multiple schools.

The full list of donations can be found HERE.

CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT

9.1 - Financial Statements.
9.2 - Literature Review
9.3 - Minutes of regular meeting held on August 10, 2026
9.4 - Contracts/Purchases
9.5 - December 2025 tabled & June 2026 KASB recommended policy updates per KASB Legal/Policy Services
9.6 - Out of State Trips
9.7 - Education Services Resource Request
9.8 - 2027 Benefits Renewal
9.9 - Kaylee Romine as Accounts Receivable Manager
9.10 - Claims

REPORTS

Superintendent's Report (11.1)

Superintendent Dr. Brian Huff provided an update on the district’s school boundary process in preparation for the opening of Creekside Elementary next school year. The first boundary committee meeting had been held, with participants reviewing draft maps and providing feedback. Four meetings are scheduled, and revised maps will be developed before the Board makes a final decision, anticipated around January.

Dr. Huff also discussed the district’s newly adopted English Language Arts curriculum and instructional resources. He said classroom visits have shown students spending more time reading printed materials, writing, collaborating, and participating in hands-on learning, with less reliance on computer screens. The district has also begun reviewing possible math curriculum resources, which were available for public and Board review.

Comments by Board of Education (11.2)

Board members noted the recent GEHS Hall of Fame induction and participation in the Leadership for Tomorrow program. The Board also shared an update regarding pedestrian safety near Pioneer Ridge Middle School. In response to increased traffic associated with residential growth, the City of Gardner has approved funding for an additional crossing guard and is working to fill the position.

OLD BUSINESS

Presentation by Newkirk Novak (12.1)

Representatives from Newkirk Novak Construction Partners provided an update on district bond construction projects. The District Service Center is nearing completion, with final interior finishes, paving, landscaping, and fencing underway. Work completed at the high school includes a major kitchen renovation, with a second phase planned for summer 2027. The TRAILS facility addition at GEHS is also progressing, with exterior work, windows, and interior framing underway and completion expected in December 2026.

View the slide deck HERE.

NEW BUSINESS

Adoption of the 2026-2027 Budget (13.1)

Administration explained that the published budget will need to be revised after the resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate did not receive the required four votes. Moving forward, the district will focus on aligning the proposed budget with available resources while addressing a potential $4.6 million reduction in anticipated revenue. Particular attention will be given to maintaining the financial stability of the bond and interest and capital outlay funds as the district begins repayment on the bond issue.

Cashless Concessions & Admissions (13.2)

The Board discussed the district’s cashless admission system for athletic and activity events, which was piloted at GEHS last year and expanded to the middle schools this year. Administrators cited improved efficiency, reduced cash-handling risks and lower staffing needs as benefits of the system. Board members also discussed concerns about service and processing fees passed along to families. No changes were proposed, and the current cashless admission system will remain in place.

APPROVED ACTION ITEMS

1.3 - Agenda

9.1-9.10 - Consent Items
13.5 - Personnel Report

BOARD OF EDUCATION

VIEW THE MEETING

PREVIOUS BOARD BRIEFS

Board Briefs are informal reports from the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education's regular meetings. They are typically released a day or two after each meeting and are not meant to be accepted as meeting minutes.

To view previous Board Briefs, click HERE.

NEXT BOARD MEETING

A "special" meeting of the Board of Education will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6:00pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026 at 6:00pm.

REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING

Revenue Neutral Hearing (2.1)

BUDGET HEARING BUDGET HEARING

Budget Hearing (3.1)

PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS

Presentation from Edgerton Elementary School (5.1)

GRANTS AND DONATIONS GRANTS AND DONATIONS

Grants and Donations (8.1)

CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT

REPORTS REPORTS