Board nominates LISD candidates, approves LISD budget after debate over fund balance and CTE capacity

The Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education nominated candidates for the intermediate school district election and approved the LISD's proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26 after extended discussion.

During discussion trustees said the board would nominate Christopher Porter for the two-year term, Carrie Dillon for the four-year term and Dale Wingard for the six-year term. Trustees then took up the LISD budget. After discussion the board approved the proposed LISD 2025-26 budget on a roll-call vote: Aye — Martinez, Davis, McGee and Chair (Lewis); Nay — Brooks and Miller.

Trustees used the LISD item to revisit longer-running concerns about how LISD allocates its fund equity and the Intermediate School District's capacity in career and technical education (CTE). Several trustees said the county-level CTE center remains an important regional resource and cited programs that grant certifications and associate degrees. Other trustees said LISD's fund equity appeared large and asked for clarity on whether reserves were being held for special-education obligations, for facility purchases, or for expansion of CTE capacity.

Board members asked LISD liaisons and staff to follow up with specific questions about LISD's reserve composition, special-education reimbursements and whether facility investments (including reported purchases such as a former Jackson College building) affected available operating funds. Trustees said they will continue the conversation in liaison meetings and requested LISD provide details about the number of Tecumseh students using CTE programs and capacity limits in high-demand areas such as building trades.

No changes to Tecumseh policy were adopted at the meeting; trustees said the concerns will be pursued through follow-up questions to LISD staff and in committee or liaison reports to the board.