PCS approves ag classroom work, sets budget amendment hearing
BY Samantha Goff
GRANT TRIBUNE SENTINEL
Perkins County Schools will spend up to $28,753.70 on additional work for its new agriculture classroom following action by the Board of Education at its July 20 meeting.
The board unanimously approved four expenses related to the classroom: up to $6,000 for Weathercraft to update the roof, a $1,835.70 invoice from 20/20 Technologies, a $3,800 invoice from Paintin Construction for spray foam and a $17,118 quote from Reese Mechanical for heating and air conditioning installation.
The board also approved the purchase of an Astor CT3 Nivano wall-mounted changing table for $7,740. The equipment provides an accessible changing space for users who require assistance.
Superintendent Ben Jones updated the board on other summer facility projects and district transportation. A stop at Keighton Heights has been added to the north bus route for the 2026-27 school year.
Board members also discussed the potential need for a wheelchair-accessible van and directed Jones to research used options. No purchase was authorized.
A proposal for additional concrete work to correct drainage problems on the north side of the elementary playground was tabled.
In other action, the board approved a $7,500 contract with Carl Dietz Financial Consulting for the 2026-27 school year.
The board also approved updated student, activity, technology and faculty handbooks. The junior-senior high school student and activity handbooks were approved with corrections, while the technology and laptop handbook was approved with amended language and additional device specifications.
Several district policies were reviewed and approved, including policies addressing parental involvement, Title I parent and family engagement, student fees, bullying and access to public library materials. Other policy updates were approved based on recommendations from KSB School Law.
During administrative reports, the board heard that work is continuing to expand career and technical education opportunities and strengthen student support and special education services at the junior-senior high school.
At the elementary school, summer school was underway, handbook language was being updated and the district had changed the way attendance is recorded to track hours rather than half-days. The elementary open house is scheduled for Aug. 11.
Jones also reported that work on the football crow’s nest was progressing. Upcoming activities included coaches clinic, administrative training and NFHS and CPR training.
The board approved $627,065.63 in general fund expenditures, including $252,152.50 in payroll and $374,913.13 in bills. It also approved $5,638.68 in lunch fund expenditures.
The district will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, in the high school library to consider an amendment to its 2025-26 budget.
The proposed amendment would increase the Activity Fund budget by $100,000, from $338,945 to $438,945. According to the district’s public notice, the increase is needed because of higher expenditures associated with additional accounts added to the fund.
Without the amendment, Activity Fund expenditures and transfers would exceed the amount budgeted for the year. The change would raise the district’s total budgeted disbursements and transfers from $13,453,327 to $13,553,327 but would not change its property tax request.
The July meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.