The Calhoun County Schools Board Meeting held on September 25, 2025, focused on budgetary discussions and capital projects for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a review of indirect costs associated with various programs, highlighting a charge of $71,000 for administration and utilities, which helps balance the financial responsibilities between the district and the programs.

A significant topic was the fleet renewal program, which aims to maintain school buses within a ten-year age limit. The district receives $7,500 per bus over ten years, totaling approximately $76,000, to assist in purchasing new buses. However, the total cost for replacing 12 to 14 buses is projected at $2.5 million, indicating a substantial funding gap that local boards must address.

The board also discussed capital outlay funds, with a total of $11 million available, including $2.4 million earmarked for spending. The board plans to allocate these funds to various projects, including upgrades to sports facilities and technology advancements. Specific projects mentioned include improvements to bleachers at Hatchet High, baseball and softball facilities at Pleasant Valley, and football upgrades across the district.

The overall proposed budget for the district starts at $76 million, with projected expenditures of $117 million, leading to an ending budget of $34 million for the fiscal year 2026. The board acknowledged that expenditures are currently exceeding revenues, but emphasized that reserves are available to cover the shortfall. The general fund recap indicated similar trends, with $93 million in revenue against $109 million in expenditures.

Salaries and benefits constitute 70% of the budget, a figure that is slightly lower than previous years due to significant capital outlay expenses. The board concluded the meeting by recognizing the need for careful financial planning to ensure the sustainability of programs and projects moving forward.