The board unanimously approved long-term facility maintenance projects across six school buildings, including door and window replacements, lighting upgrades, and accessibility improvements for restrooms. Director of Operations Mark emphasized these are essential "like for like" repairs funded through the district's maintenance budget, not bond dollars. The projects will address needs at schools including Afton, Oak Park, Rutherford, Stillwater Middle School, Stonebridge, and the Bus Garage.

However, the maintenance approval came against a backdrop of severe financial strain. Director of Finance Marie presented a two-year fiscal forecast showing the district faces a $4.8 million deficit for fiscal year 2026, with the crisis continuing into 2027. The district's unassigned fund balance has dropped to just 1.1%, well below the 5% minimum target. Marie attributed the shortfall to unfunded state mandates, inflation, and declining student enrollment. Salaries and benefits consume 74% of the general fund, leaving limited room for cuts.

The board also approved preliminary budget guidelines for the next fiscal year, emphasizing a priority-based approach tied to strategic goals including literacy, school culture, equity, and social-emotional learning. Notably, the board adopted a policy prohibiting the use of unassigned fund balance to balance the budget—a move intended to rebuild reserves, though no timeline was set for recovery. One board member questioned the lack of a specific timeline, citing uncertainties in state funding and enrollment.

In other business, the board received a winter assessment update showing positive growth in early elementary reading but identifying curriculum gaps in 4th and 5th grade reading and math. The board also approved Policy 505, governing the distribution of non-school-sponsored materials on campus, and moved Policy 54.5 on personal electronic devices to a third reading. That policy would extend a "Bell to Bell" prohibition on wireless devices to all preK-12 students, though board members raised concerns about enforcement challenges.