Development News for Liberty, Missouri

Board Approves Policy Updates, Discusses Legislative Session Outcomes and Upcoming Events

The board reviewed and approved several policy updates. Policies AD, BCCA, BDDG, IGD, JFCF were approved for adoption, and policy IA was rescinded. Other policies were pulled for future discussion due to leadership transition. Additionally, administrative procedures were presented for awareness. The board also discussed the legislative session, noting that non-partisan elections were maintained, although a bill targeting St. Charles County introduced changes to election terms and partisan labels. The district is also preparing for the MSBA conference in October, with a submission for 'Grow Your Own' potentially in the works. Upcoming dates include the Summer Summit (June 14-16), Board Retreat (June 2nd), and the final regular board meeting (June 23rd). A reception to honor Dr. Tucker is scheduled for tomorrow.

District Awaits Decision on $5 Million Children Services Fund Grant

The district applied for a $5 million grant over a two-year window from the Children Services Fund Committee. The committee is scheduled to announce their grant awards on Wednesday, May 20th. The requested funds are intended to support various listed initiatives within the district.

Board Approves 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget Amidst Revenue Shortfalls

The Board of Education discussed and approved the preliminary budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The total expenditure budget is projected at $249 million, a decrease from the current year's $350 million, primarily due to debt service refunding and a decrease in capital projects. The operating budget decrease is $860,000. Salaries and benefits constitute approximately 65% of the total budget. The budget accounts for vertical and horizontal salary steps, extra days, and retirement contributions, with an estimated cost of $2,074,428. The district faces a projected $7.4 million deficit spend for the current year, $5.2 million for next year, and $2.3 million the following year, primarily in the operating budget, which will be covered by the fund balance. The state basic formula funding per student is projected to decrease, resulting in a $1.5 million reduction in state funding. Sales tax revenue (Prop C) is also down. Increases are noted in nutrition services and Kids Zone revenue due to price adjustments. The budget anticipates a decrease in the fund balance to approximately 20%.

Students and School Libraries Honored for Excellence; State Tennis Champion Recognized

The board recognized outstanding students and programs. Three students from Franklin Elementary, Teddy, Tucker, and Ellie Winn, received LPS awards (Love, Perseverance, and Strength). Two Liberty School District middle schools, Liberty Middle School and South Valley Middle School, were recognized as Exemplary School Library Programs. Andrew Beltran from Liberty High School was honored for winning the individual Class 3 single state tennis championship, becoming the second player in school history to achieve this. His freshman season record was 28-1. His teammate, Logan Heiser, placed fifth in the same bracket. The board also acknowledged the district's success in testing, with 98% of students completing required state testing, and highlighted the 'Grow Your Own Teacher' program.