Board advances a slate of funding requests for ranking, amends special-ed parameter

Board members moved a number of funding requests onto the board's ranking list for the upcoming legislative cycle. Member Earl proposed adjusting an earlier special-education parameter from 12% to 10% for initial-year flexibility; the board approved the change unanimously. Members then added requests for UPAC critical FTE and market-rate pay increases, an early-math assessment FTE, a program-evaluation critical FTE, a master/mentor program request (the "master program"), USDB requests, and a paraprofessional K–3 grant program ($20M proposed by Member Longacre) for staff to prepare for ranking.

Members repeatedly asked staff for cost details and cautioned about adding large ongoing obligations without fuller fiscal analysis. Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones clarified where prior funding (SB 241) had been allocated and that staff will refresh and circulate request forms to support the ranking discussion on the next meeting's agenda. The board concluded the motions and then adjourned.