West Carroll School Board Approves HVAC Bid, Discusses Budget Challenges

ATWOOD (June 4) — The West Carroll Special School District Board of Education met Thursday for a regular monthly meeting in which an HVAC bid was opened and approved and for a work session in which budgetary challenges were discussed ahead of the budget approval process.

During the work session, Director of Schools Preston Caldwell presented a preliminary overview of the 2026-27 budget, which will total approximately $12 million.

Caldwell outlined several challenges he faces as he prepares a budget to present to the board in August.

He identified concerns that local revenues could decrease while state funding remains roughly level.

Increases in the salary schedule and in operational and transportation costs, as well as a $750,000 renovation project at the elementary school, compound the revenue concerns.

One positive that the director noted is that the debt service, which amounts to $400,000 per year, will be paid off in April of 2029.

Caldwell said, "It's going to be a tough budget. I'm doing the best I can with it. We're going to be fine, but it's going to be tight."

During the regular meeting, a single bid was opened for an HVAC unit for the junior-senior high school. The board approved the $15,700 bid from Newbill's Heating and Air of Humboldt.

Board members approved the first of two readings on 13 policy updates.

Two of the updates amend policies regarding drugs and alcohol. One adds language allowing for drug and alcohol testing triggered by reasonable suspicion, while the other establishes procedures surrounding the testing process.

A policy regarding revenues was adjusted to account for the discontinuation of the penny.

One update amends the personnel records policy to include disciplinary action and responses from the employee.

Updates were approved to separation practices for three categories of district employees: tenured, non-tenured and non-certified. In each case, language was added to allow for temporary removal from duty not to be considered disciplinary "but rather a precautionary measure until a determination can be made" about further actions.

The sick leave policy was amended to require a doctor's statement when an employee is absent for five consecutive working days.

Another update clarifies language prohibiting employees with a contagious or communicable disease from performing duties in a location that might endanger the health of students.

The policy on political activities was updated to reiterate that district-owned property may not be used for political promotion of solicitation and that employees shall not use audio or video messages to engage in such activity during school hours.

A policy was updated to state that teachers who engage in private tutoring do so as independent actors and that the district shall not be liable for any claims or damages arising from such services.

A policy was amended to clarify that the director of schools is the only employee directly employed by the board of education and that all others are employed, supervised and managed under the authority of the director.

Finally, an update to the Student Wellness policy adjusts school nutrition standards.

An FBLA field trip to San Antonio later this month was approved on second and final reading.

During the meeting, a moment of silence was held in memory of eighth grade teacher Mandy Sullivan, who recently died unexpectedly.

Primary school Principal Jackie Wester presented Caldwell and board members with copies of "The Fun and Strange Tales from the Halls of the WCP," a book written and illustrated by the second grade class.

The students dedicated their book to classmate Atticus Ecker, who died during their Kindergarten year.

The meeting adjourned after 45 minutes.

The board meets next on Thursday, July 2 at 6:30 p.m.