IRVING, Ky. — The Estill County Board of Education voted May 15 to approve a tentative budget for fiscal year 2026 and discussed plans to renew part of the district’s bus fleet, including an order placed last year for a bus expected to arrive in October.

Approving a tentative budget is a standard step in the district's annual planning cycle and allows administrators to proceed with next‑year planning while final figures are completed.

Mr. Brock (Jeremy Brock, staff member) told the board the district has a tentative FY‑26 budget and recommended approval. He said the district's forecasted revenues are higher than the figures currently in the tentative document, and that “it's about 500,000 more than what's in this budget that is forecasted right now.” Brock also said the forecast may increase further as state calculations are adjusted.

Board members asked about bus replacement. Brock said the district ordered a bus last year and will order another if funding allows. He described the procurement timeline: buses are ordered about a year in advance and typically take roughly a year to be delivered; the vehicle the district ordered will likely arrive in October. Brock noted this model is the district's first with air conditioning and the district will evaluate its performance for long routes and summer trips.

The board voted to approve the tentative budget as presented; Sheila Samples made the motion and Tammy Hardy seconded. The chair called the vote and the motion carried by a 4‑0 voice vote.

Brock told the board that bus replacements have been phased in over several years to update the fleet and that, depending on need and funding, the district has typically added buses “by need” rather than on a fixed schedule. No specific dollar amounts for the FY‑26 budget were read into the public record during the discussion, and Brock said some figures remain subject to finalization.

Administration indicated that further budget details, including final revenue forecasts and any decisions on additional bus purchases, will come back to the board as the budget is finalized.