Treynor school board sets 2026–27 textbook and activity fees, raises substitute pay and renews interdistrict agreements

The Treynor Community School Board on Monday approved several budget- and personnel-related changes for the 2026–27 school year, including new textbook fees, higher activity-pass rates, a substitute-teacher pay increase, and renewals of interdistrict programs and a school resource officer contract.

The board voted to set student textbook fees at $40 for elementary students (PK–5), $60 for middle school students (6–8) and $70 for high school students (9–12), following staff testimony that curriculum purchases and inflation drove costs higher. "We've delayed a lot of curriculum purchases and we've finally brought some stuff back into cycle," said the staff member presenting the proposal.

On extracurricular access, the board approved raising the student annual activity pass to $50 (up from $20). The minutes and discussion include an adult pass figure that appeared in the packet and verbal motion as "$1.50"; based on the board's earlier references to adult pass pricing and the broader conversation about conference comparables, the intended adult annual pass amount is $150. Board members discussed concerns about equity and the potential for scholarship or assistance funds if higher prices cause hardship. "If it ends up too tight, then we have to really look at everything," one committee member said.

The board also approved a $10 bump in the daily substitute-teacher rate, setting the day rate at $155 for 2026–27 while leaving long-term substitute pay unchanged. The staff member cited conference comparables and the need to retain substitutes: "I think it behooves us to pay those a little extra."

Separately, the board renewed routine interdistrict agreements: an Apex consortium agreement now hosted by Council Bluffs Community School District, and a longstanding 28E agreement with Riverside Community School District that allows Treynor students to participate in Riverside's agricultural classes. The board praised the Riverside partnership as beneficial for students.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (personnel and routine items): approved.
- Textbook fees (2026–27): approved; $40 elementary, $60 middle, $70 high school.
- Activity passes (2026–27): approved; student pass $50, adult pass $150 (packet and discussion show an apparent typographic error that was resolved in context).
- Substitute-teacher daily rate: approved at $155 per day.
- Apex consortium renewal (CBCSD host): approved.
- Riverside 28E agreement renewal (ag program): approved.

SRO contract renewal
The board also renewed its school resource officer (SRO) agreement with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Department for the 2026–27 year. Staff reported the annual contract cost will increase from $40,000 to $44,000; the presenter said administration will continue discussions with the sheriff's office to clarify and potentially expand the SRO's day-to-day duties and visibility, particularly at elementary buildings. "I do think there are some advantages to having an SRO," the staff member said, noting the role in safety planning and staff training.

What happens next
Board members directed staff to proceed with the approved fees and agreements. The administration also noted it will continue outreach to coaches and sponsors regarding activity-pass implementation and will monitor the activities fund cushion, adjusting pricing in future years if needed. The board scheduled a district work session on goals for Aug. 10.