Board ratifies teacher contract, approves purchases and extracurricular pilots; votes at a glance

The Dodge City Board of Education approved a cluster of operational and personnel items during the meeting, including ratification of the 2026–27 negotiated agreement with certified staff and a set of purchases and program approvals.

Ratification of teacher agreement: HR staff reported certified staff ratified the tentative agreement with 208 yes votes (96.7%). The agreement includes a 3.09% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), increasing the base salary from $51,750 to $53,000, and adds an MS+45 column. The board ratified the agreement and staff described an estimated increase to certified salaries (before fringe) to be budgeted from the general fund and at-risk funds.

Purchases and change orders: The board approved a $231,659 purchase of Lakeshore K–5 writable whiteboards (one per student) via cooperative contract (title/at-risk/bilingual funds), a $52,700 purchase of replacement computers for the technology department, and a $54,710.38 purchase and installation of playground equipment and shade for Bright Beginnings day care (state grant funds). The board also approved change orders for commercial flooring ($20,960) and replacement tennis net anchors ($2,000), each to be paid from capital outlay.

Programs and handbooks: The board approved starting girls flag football as an intramural/club program for next year with plans to move to full conference play in 2027–28; it also approved unified bowling next fall with an anticipated 35–40 participants. The elementary handbook received a first read (no vote) with updates including cell-phone language; secondary handbook updates were presented.

Ratified admin increase: The board also approved a proposed 3.1% increase to admin/exempt salaries (approx. $29,000 before taxes); the classified schedule vote was deferred for additional review.

Votes at a glance (selected items):
- Consent agenda: motion by Jamie, second by Isabelle — Passed (one recorded opposition).
- Writable whiteboards ($231,659): motion and vote — Approved.
- Flag football (intramural pilot): motion and vote — Approved (one recorded opposition).
- Unified bowling: motion and vote — Approved.
- Computers for tech department ($52,700): motion and vote — Approved.
- Play equipment for Bright Beginnings ($54,710.38): motion and vote — Approved.
- Ratification of 2026–27 negotiated agreement: motion and vote — Approved.

Board remarks emphasized the district’s focus on implementing instructional priorities, aligning school improvement plans with district strategy and the ongoing work of summer professional development. Several motions passed with one or more members registering opposition; minutes should be consulted for exact roll-call tallies.