USD 231 Board Briefs

Appointments of Individuals and Agencies to Certain School District Functions, 2025-2026, can be found HERE.

Dr. Huff paid tribute to Gary Dugan, a former board member who recently passed away, noting his long-term contributions to the district and community.

Dr. Huff also acknowledged the federal funding freeze totaling approximately $130,000, noting its impact on several programs. He emphasized that while the cuts are real, the district is positioned to absorb the shortfall without reducing services or staff. Contingency funds and strategic planning allow the district to continue operations without disruption. Importantly, certified teaching positions currently supported by federal funds are not in jeopardy due to this freeze. Staffing adjustments, when necessary, are driven by enrollment and attrition—not budget cuts. The Board remains committed to teacher retention and recruitment as a top priority.

Each year, the district carefully evaluates staffing and program needs through the building needs assessment process. This allows us to prioritize essential services and ensure long-term sustainability, even amid unpredictable federal funding. For example, our ELL (English Language Learner) programs are primarily funded by state and local dollars, with only 3.03% of expenses coming from federal Title III funds. In 2024-25, we spent $545,376 from our Bilingual Fund (14) and $17,035 (which are frozen) from Title III to support ELL programming. ELL teachers and support staff will continue to receive high-quality professional development and training, regardless of changes in federal allocations.

Similarly, general education instructional salaries total $18.56 million in state/local funds, with just 0.45% supported by Title II-A. These federal dollars, $83,268 (which are frozen) currently fund 60% of the salaries of a Kindergarten teacher and a third-grade teacher. While Title II-A is one of the funds affected by the freeze, these positions will remain intact due to the district’s strategic planning and financial safeguards.

As for our at-risk student programming, we spent over $6.6 million in state/local funds in 2024-25, compared to just $30,851 (which are frozen) in Title IV-A funds (0.46% of total expenses). While the federal share is minimal, it has been impactful—particularly in funding programs like Sources of Strength and our co-responder initiative through Johnson County Mental Health. We’ve seen meaningful growth and support from the co-responder position. While the freeze raises questions about future funding for this role, the district is committed to evaluating its continued value. If the Board and community deem it a priority, we will work to incorporate it into future budgets through other means.

A full summary of our FY25 federal funding allocations is below:

• Title I-A: $357,417 (salaries for 5.3 reading specialists)

• Title II-A: $83,268 (60% of salaries for 2 teachers)

• Title III-A: $17,035 (ELL PD and curriculum supports)

• Title IV-A: $30,851 (JCMH co-responder, Sources of Strength)

• Title VI-B TIP: $21,887 (PD for SPED staff)

• Title VI-B Pass Through: $1,085,953 (SPED certified staff – 18 FTE)

• Title VI-B EC Pass Through: $22,011 (Early Childhood SPED staffing)

• Perkins CTE Grant: $29,887 (CTE PD, software, equipment)

• USDA Child Nutrition Programs: $1,869,504 (Nutrition Services staff, food, supplies, equipment)

Total Federal Funds (FY25): $3,517,813 — 4.2% of the district’s FY25 operating budget

While the federal funding freeze presents challenges, we remained committed to stability and student success.

The board unanimously approved moving the September 8, 2025 meeting to the Edgerton Green Space.

This move, supported by community members and city officials, is intended to increase public engagement and spotlight Edgerton Elementary’s presentation.

The board approved a $ $977,741 bid from Electronic Technologies, Inc. for a districtwide camera system upgrade using bond funds. The system will enhance safety with 1,100 high-resolution camera views across 19 sites. Board members praised the upgrade’s quality and immediacy, citing it as a major return on investment for the bond.

The items referenced below can be found HERE.

• 2.1 - Approval of the Organization of the Board of Education and Appointments.
• 6.1 - 6.6 - Approval of Board of Education Committee Information and Structure; Approval of minutes of regular meeting held on June 9, 2025; Approval of financial statements; Approval of Claims; Approval of Contracts/Purchases.

• 10.1 - 10.2 Approval to have the September 8, 2025 BOE meeting at the greenspace in Edgerton, KS; Approval for the Gardner Edgerton School District Security Camera Installation from Electronic Technology INC for the Bid Quote of $977,741 with payment from bond and capital outlay funds.

• 10.5 - Approval for all certified/classified staff employment, resignations and retirements for the current month.

​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 the image on the right.

Monday, August 11, 2025 - 6:00 p.m.