West Carroll School Board Approves $11.5 Million Budget

ATWOOD (August 13) — The West Carroll Special School District Board of Education met Thursday for its regular monthly session to finalize the district's financial budget for the upcoming year. With all board members and Director of Schools Preston Caldwell in attendance, the primary focus of the meeting was the formal adoption of the fiscal year 2027 budget.

The board approved an $11.5 million budget, supported by approximately $10 million in projected revenue. A centerpiece of the fiscal plan is a $750,000 renovation project at the elementary school. Notably, the FY 2027 budget includes a districtwide 5% salary increase, with personnel costs accounting for $4.3 million of the total expenditures. Director Caldwell expressed confidence in the financial outlook, stating, "We are projected to be on budget with the exception of the construction project at the elementary school."

Beyond long-term budgeting, the board addressed immediate facility needs. Caldwell informed members that a 5-ton air conditioning unit servicing the high school's front offices had failed during recent extreme temperatures. To expedite the $12,000 replacement, the board voted to waive standard advertisement requirements and approved the purchase from HVAC contractor Jeff Newbill, who expects the unit to arrive within two weeks.

The board also received a progress report on the ongoing elementary school renovations from Maintenance Director Mark Wright. Wright confirmed that all windows have been replaced and window seals are slated for completion by next week. While the vestibule wall is upright awaiting inspection, Wright noted a minor delay in securing exterior doors, which are currently five weeks out.

Turning to state funding and academic resources, the board approved a Consolidated Application for IDEA/ESSA, formally acknowledging $591,000 in state-awarded funds. In a separate action, board members awarded a $31,499 bid to Learning Labs for a new plasma cutter, following a recommendation presented by Kristin Lindsey.

Kristin Lindsey presented a bid to board members for a plasma cutter. “The lowest bid was from Learning Labs for $31,499, and I recommend we award the bid to them,” said Lindsey. Board members awarded the bid to Learning Labs.

The start of the new school year also necessitated organizational updates. The board approved the members for the Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA), which now includes Dr. Adam Douglas, Leslie Farmer, Brianna Rice, Crystal Polinski, Kellie Medina, Jaxon Stringer, Brandi Tolley, Jackie Wester, and Jessica Williams.

During his director's report, Caldwell praised the district's strong staff retention rates, attributing the success to effective leadership at both the school and board levels. He confirmed that all safety and threat assessments are current. Furthermore, Caldwell announced WCSSD was awarded a $50,000 Perkins Reserve Grant and took a moment to recognize BETA Club members for their recent achievements at the national level.

Policy updates were approved. Following a second reading of new TSBA policies, the board approved a specific COVID-19 provision. The policy grants employees who test positive five additional quarantine days, provided they submit physician documentation, without exhausting their regular sick leave.

Principals from all three campuses reported a successful first week of classes, expressing optimism for the year ahead.

The meeting concluded with a farewell to outgoing board members Betty Wallace and Keith Murray. "Thank you for all you've done over the last few years; we will miss you both," Caldwell remarked. 

Incoming members Jonathan Wilson and Linda Black are scheduled to be administered the oath of office during the September meeting.