The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education approved the consent agenda Oct. 13 and received a district financial update showing the district expects to carry cash through the slower state-aid months and that bond and building funds remain available for capital projects.

Nut graf: Board members reviewed September financials showing lower cash-on-hand versus a year earlier but stable projections through the fiscal year, approved consent-agenda bills, and received an update on planned facility work that could include a stadium grandstand and concession/restroom project the district hopes to bid in December.

Jason Buckingham, superintendent, presented the September financial report and said the district’s year-to-date revenue receipts were lower than the same point last year — a result the district expects in September and October because state aid is paid in ten equal payments and not in those months. He reported cash balances and fund details, saying the special building fund “sits 17.5” (district discussion indicated the number refers to millions) and that the bond fund balance was about $7,100,000 with a payment of $3,800,000 due in December.

The consent agenda — which the board described as including minutes from the Sept. 22 meeting, the September 2025 financial report, bills of $625,478.43 for the general fund and $924,232.18 for the special building fund — was put forward in a motion by Liz and seconded by Katie. The chair called the roll and the motion passed.

On facilities, the board’s subcommittee reported it had prioritized roofing projects and is preparing a bid package for a stadium grandstand/concessions/restrooms project. Committee members said they aim to have plans to the board for review before a public bid and would like approval in December if schedules allow; if the architects and permitting timeline cooperate, some demolition work could happen this winter and the district hopes the project area would be ready for the following school year. Committee members emphasized the number of steps remaining — soil sampling, final plan approval, permits — and said safety and limited impact on the playing surface are priorities while work proceeds.

Board members asked questions about cash flow, activity accounts and student-fee accounts that were negative and in need of internal transfers; the superintendent said transfers would be made and that activity funds should return to positive in coming months. Board members also discussed the depreciation fund and the potential for technology purchases to move the district toward a 1:1 device ratio K–12, which would draw from depreciation reserves.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent agenda (minutes, September financial report, bills): motion by Liz; second by Katie; outcome — approved (roll call recorded; chair announced “motion passes”).

This article uses direct quotations and motion details that were given on the record during the Oct. 13 meeting.