Board plans community presentation on Prairie Crossing and redirected evidence‑based funding

Board members agreed July 24 to develop a public information session about Prairie Crossing and the district’s experience with evidence‑based funding that, they said, has been redirected away from the district in recent years.

Lede: Board members requested a community presentation that would cover the Prairie Crossing matter’s history, current status and fiscal implications — including examples board members said show millions of dollars redirected from district coffers — and asked administration to prepare a proposed timeline and audience that could include legislators.

Why it matters: Board members said the issue affects taxpayer dollars and district services; several members asked for a public‑facing briefing so voters understand where evidence‑based funding goes and what impact it has on local programming and taxes. One board member said the total redirected dollars are “approaching $7,000,000,” and another corrected that the amount is about $6.02 million depending on timing and projections.

What board directed: Administration was asked to prepare a community presentation after the school year begins and to propose a date (board members suggested October as a possible target). The district will consider inviting legislators and stakeholders but staff noted petition season and legislative workloads could make scheduling difficult. Board members suggested the session be both a public community forum and a board briefing to ensure broad access.

Ending: Administration said it would bring sample dates, a proposed agenda and possible invite lists to the August packet; the board expressed consensus to proceed with planning a community session.