Prescott staff report 100% special-education participation and outline preliminary 2026–27 budget timeline

Sandy Strand, the district’s director of student services, told the board the district moved off a corrective action plan after achieving 100% participation in required assessments and improved several federal indicators from 88% to 100% meeting requirements. "We came off of that corrective action plan last year," Strand said, praising staff and inclusion efforts.

In a separate presentation, Ashley Bo, director of business services, briefed the board on a preliminary budget model for 2026–27. Ashley said the finance team is closing out the current year and expects the district to receive official state funding and enrollment numbers on Oct. 15; the board typically finalizes the budget by Oct. 31 once those state counts are available.

Board members discussed the district's longer-term plan to manage a planned period of deficit spending, with a board fund-balance target around 20%. Finance staff described next steps including potential July transfers, continued enrollment monitoring and updates at the annual budget meeting. One board member noted a historic population study was already factored into the model to account for declining enrollment.

Staff also summarized social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts: the district uses DESA assessment tools (Aperture Education), Second Step curriculum and an individualized 'Empower You' coaching option. Staff estimated a three-year K–8 Second Step contract at about $11,000 and cited a similar $11,000 estimate for DESA services; the district said it would reduce Empower You seats at the high school from 30 to 10 to manage costs.