Board advances policies and handbooks; approves donations and sets budget timeline

The board handled a set of policy and handbook items, accepted donations and reviewed the fiscal calendar for the 2025 budget process. Several handbooks were approved; Neola policy updates affected by recent legislation were presented as first readings and will return for approval at the next meeting.

Approved by motion and unanimous voice vote: the online academy handbook, elementary and JCHS curriculum material lists (replacement-fee clarifications), classified handbook revisions and the transportation handbook with revisions. The board received a first reading of a group of Neola policy updates that staff said were required because of legislation enacted this spring; staff said the Neola items will be brought back for formal approval at the next meeting.

Donations accepted and approved included hygiene and food items from the Cummins Foundation and Jackson County United Way, a $500 NVIC grant for STEM bins at Hayden Elementary, memorial gifts to the high school student help fund and Brush Creek Elementary in memory of Linda Anglin, and a donation of 30 pairs of boots from the Jennings County Youth Foundation.

The board reviewed the budget timeline in the board packet: first presentation scheduled for Aug. 7, second presentation and permission to advertise at the following meeting, advertisement and public hearing on Sept. 18, and adoption on Oct. 2 — the same timeline the district has used for the past five years.

Meeting votes on approvals were recorded in the transcript as unanimous (e.g., “All those in favor? 6 0”). Staff asked board members to calendar upcoming budget and adoption meetings to ensure quorum for required actions.