Vicksburg board authorizes bond sale, sets June 8 public budget hearing

The Vicksburg Board of Education on Tuesday voted to authorize the issuance and delegate the sale of bonds to fund district capital projects and set a June 8 public hearing on the proposed 2026–27 budget.

Superintendent Keeven O'Neil said the community approved the 2026 VCS bond proposal and that the board would consider a formal bond resolution to begin the issuance process. At the meeting the board approved the resolution by roll-call vote; board members recorded their support individually (Stephanie — yes; Lucas — yes; Lisa — yes; Tina — yes; Ron — yes; Rick — yes; [member recorded as yes]).

Chief financial presenter Steve told the board the district plans a competitive sale process and estimated the financing at about $21 million “give or take,” using a dedicated bond attorney and financial advisor to complete the municipal financing. He said the district has historically pursued transparent competitive sales and that the legal documents contain substantial boilerplate related to tax compliance and sale mechanics.

In related action the board awarded a contract to Lobitter Parkway Electric and Communications LLC for $59,905 to replace building access controls, cameras and intercoms. Steve said bids were solicited and the low bid came in roughly at $59,000; the work will be funded with proceeds from previously issued building-and-site bonds. The board approved that contract without roll-call.

Steve also reviewed the district's budget progress through April (10 months into the fiscal year), reporting year-to-date revenue just under $26.2 million and total expenditures around $27.0 million, leaving a year-to-date shortfall of about $1.4 million. He asked trustees to set the annual public hearing on the tentative 2026–27 budget for June 8; the board approved that date.

What happens next: the district will proceed with documentation and a competitive bond sale process; the public hearing on the proposed 2026–27 budget will be held June 8, when trustees will consider the tax rate and budget amendments before final adoption.