May 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Dr. Duke stated that he would like to recognize the district’s Legacy Retirees who have served the district for more than 20 years. He shared that this is the first year for this recognition and that it will continue annually.

The following Legacy Retirees were in attendance:

• Valerie Rains
• Emily Clark
• Sara Roediger
• Sandra Clemmons
• Tres Holmes

Ms. Cynthia Hopkins presented a report on the ESP Summer Programming. She shared that the program will operate Monday, June 1, through Friday, July 31, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at eight locations, including five summer school sites as well as Overall Creek, Salem, and Erma Siegel.

Ms. Hopkins reported that site directors have been actively planning activities for students. She also highlighted the district’s partnership with Nutrition and Farm to School, as well as the Vincent Windrow Patriots Camp.

She further shared that all 13 sites will open Kindercamp on July 20.

Mr. Rocha came forward to present information regarding the process for selecting a new Student Information System (SIS) platform.

Mr. Rocha explained that the next steps will include developing a transition plan from Skyward 2.0 to Synergy. He noted that his team will be responsible for migrating and loading district data into the new system. He shared that this implementation process is expected to take more than one year.

Mr. Rocha informed the Board that the district anticipates being fully prepared to launch the new system on July 1, 2027. He further stated that Skyward will continue to be used through June 30, 2027, with Synergy going live in July 2027.

Dr. Duke informed the Board that there has been a $1,012,073 decrease in the budget since the last presentation due to a correction in the weighted full-time equivalent (FTE) formula. He noted that the revised budget was included in the Board packet. He further explained that the district is budgeted to spend less in the upcoming year than in the current year. The Board expressed agreement with the recommended adjustments. Dr. Duke also stated that the planned use of Fund Balance remains at $4.6 million, consistent with the previous presentation.

Dr. Duke advised the Board that he will present the revised budget to the City Council on June 4.

Board Member Barbara Long inquired whether, if the State later adjusts enrollment percentages, the district would be able to revert to the original budget. Dr. Duke responded that the budget presented for approval would be the official adopted budget, and any subsequent State adjustments would be addressed through future budget amendments brought back to the Board as needed.

Dr. Duke stated that he believes this revised budget represents the most responsible and stable option for presentation and approval at this time.

Board Member Jeanette Price thanked Dr. Duke for his work during what she described as an extremely challenging budget season. She commended him and his team for their ability to make necessary reductions while also providing salary increases and ensuring no employee job losses.

Board Chair Amanda Moore concurred with the comments.

Ms. Lisa Trail provided an update on the City Schools Foundation. She noted that Mr. Eric Newell, Foundation Board Chair, was in attendance.

Ms. Trail shared a handout outlining the upcoming Robotics Program. She reported that, during its tenure, the Foundation has contributed nearly $2 million back to district schools through initiatives such as the Pickleball Tournament and Excellence in Education.

She also announced that the Foundation has a new Board member, Ms. Kim Young, who played a key role in coordinating the Excellence in Education event, which she described as a great success.

Ms. Trail informed the Board that the Foundation leadership for 2026-2027 will be Chair Eric Newell and Vice Chair Julie Corcoran.

Mr. Eric Newell expressed appreciation to Board Member Ms. Barbara Long for her strong support and ongoing sponsorship, noting her involvement throughout Foundation activities.

Dr. Duke informed the Board that Enrollment Period 9 will end on Thursday, May 28.

He noted that students are out of school today and tomorrow. He added that Summer School training is taking place today and tomorrow at the Central Office. Dr. Duke stated that tomorrow is a teacher workday, and Thursday will be report card pickup day, with buses running. He further reported that the Nutrition Department will provide grab-and-go breakfast and lunch for students. He stated that there will be no students on Friday, and that Summer School, the full ESP program, and summer feeding will begin on Monday. Dr. Duke encouraged Board members to review the summer feeding locations online and noted that there are five new sites on the west side of town.

Dr. Duke reminded the Board that the next Board meeting will be held on June 9 at the Central Office, where the Strategic Plan will be discussed further. He also requested that Board members return the annual Director’s evaluation at that meeting.

In closing, Dr. Duke stated that it has been a successful school year and noted that while staff are tired, there is excitement about Summer School. He invited Board members to contact Sheri Arnette if they would like to visit Summer School sites and to reach out to Ms. Saunders if they would like to meet the chow bus at various stops throughout the summer.