Board approves consent items, contracts and proposed FY27 budget package in 9–0 votes

The Wallingford‑Swarthmore School Board approved a package of routine and substantive items at its April 27 meeting, voting unanimously on minutes, personnel moves, policy readings, multiple contracts and the district’s proposed general budget for 2026‑27.

Board members cast roll‑call votes to approve the March 23 minutes and a set of grouped personnel items including appointments, leaves, direct payments, the extended school‑year program and adjustments to personnel; the board also accepted listed resignations and retirements, a motion that included public thanks for Debbie Elias, the executive assistant to the superintendent.

On policy, the board approved items presented for first and second readings, including policy 605.1 on tax‑assessment appeals, which was noted for follow‑up by the Facilities and Finance Committee. Curriculum and student services approvals included a Swarthmore College Commemoration Agreement, the Future Think Award letter, a demographic study and multiple educational service agreements.

The board approved 16 finance and facilities items in a single package covering monthly financial statements and vendor payments, budget transfers, a new student activity account, a food‑service agreement, custodial services with Campus Services Group, architectural services with KCBA Architects, HVAC repair and maintenance contracts, multiple technology and lease agreements and a pool management contract. Board members discussed cost‑benefit topics such as disposable versus reusable foodservice materials and custodial responsibility for pool cleanliness before approving the slate.

The board also voted 9–0 to submit a Flexible Instruction Day (FID) application to the state that would allow limited asynchronous learning days to substitute for make‑up days caused by inclement weather. Administrators said the proposal would be used sparingly and would rely on teacher‑prepared materials and device access.

Each recorded motion passed on unanimous roll call votes; the proposals will move forward to implementation or later board steps as required (e.g., final budget approval in June for FY27).