 As the school year quickly draws to a close, I’m reminded of how important it is to finish as strong as we started. I truly appreciate the dedication and care you continue to show in supporting our students and contributing to the success of our school. Your efforts make a meaningful difference every day. Wishing you a great close to the year. Let’s finish strong together!
 Team Fort Osage met for the fourth time this year on April 17. It was a productive meeting with valuable feedback provided by the committee. There was discussion about the budget, health insurance, bond and levy ballot measures, salary schedules, survey results, and legislative update (information provided below on each). The next meeting is scheduled for May 14.
Budget I continue to prepare for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which begins July 1, 2026. The proposed state budget remains fluid, but currently reflects an estimated $1.3 million loss in revenue. It also includes a $15 million reduction in transportation funding, resulting in approximately $300,000 less revenue for Fort Osage. At this time, funding for Career Ladder remains included. All of these figures are contingent upon approval by both the House and Senate and the Governor’s signature. At the local level, the County’s cap on 2025 commercial property assessments has led to a decline in assessed valuation, resulting in a $1.3 million revenue loss in the current fiscal year. Additionally, the County plans to issue tax credits over the next three years to residential property owners whose 2023 and 2024 tax bills increased by more than 15%. For Fort Osage, these credits are estimated to total $3.8 million related to the 2023 assessment and an additional $3.2 million for 2024. As a result, the District’s revenue is projected to decrease by approximately $2.3 million over the next three years. I remain actively engaged in this process and continue to communicate with other taxing jurisdictions regarding the potential impact on services provided to Jackson County residents, including fire districts, library districts, and municipalities. On a positive note, voter approval of Question 2, the levy transfer, on the April 7 ballot is expected to generate approximately $1.5 million in additional revenue for Fort Osage’s operating fund. After accounting for all projected revenues and expenditures, including a current reduction of approximately $1.1 million in next year’s budget, the District anticipates a deficit. While several variables remain uncertain, we must proceed cautiously, as local, state, and federal funding are expected to remain unpredictable in the coming years. Health Insurance Fort Osage’s health insurance plan operates on a calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. In January, the District’s monthly contribution increased from $800 to $880. This increase not only positively impacts retirement contributions, but also helps offset rising healthcare costs for employees. Through March, claims are 98%, resulting in a $120,000 reserve. As we plan for next year’s budget, we are currently budgeting that the District’s contribution will remain at $880 per month. I will continue to closely monitor the plan’s performance, as it can fluctuate significantly from month to month. Below is the participation for each health insurance plan which began January 1, 2026: Plan 1 ($3,600 HD Local Plus) 181 people (31%) Plan 2 ($3,600 HD) 363 people (61%) Plan 3 ($2,000 PPO) 49 people (8%) 593 people Bond and Levy Measures Thank you to the voters, both Question 1 and Question 2 passed on April 7. I am truly grateful to everyone who helped share information about these measures. The passage of both issues will help our students and staff. As promised, Question 1, the bond issue, will fund district projects and help pay a portion of the 2021 lease purchase. These projects are scheduled to begin this summer and conclude in the summer of 2027. Please see the list of projects below. Question 2, the levy transfer, will provide additional funding for the operating budget. These funds will help the District maintain student programs, help cover staff salaries and benefits, and support other ongoing operating costs. Projects and Timeline Summer 2026
Summer 2027
Salary Schedules At the June Board meeting, I will at minimum recommend steps and movement on the salary schedule, totaling approximately $1 million more in additional expenses. We are also reviewing if further enhancements to the salary schedules are financially feasible. This requires balancing our commitment to staff with the responsibility to manage a projected deficit budget. Once any recommended salary enhancements are finalized, details will be shared with staff, typically near the end of the school year and prior to the June Board meeting. Following Board approval updated contracts and/or reassurance letters will be distributed. Survey Results Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback through our recent survey. Responses were collected and analyzed from staff, students, and families. We received less survey responses from parents and staff, while more students participated in the survey than in previous years. The results highlight several strengths, including a strong commitment to student success, approachable/positive staff and leadership, clear expectations, opportunities to get involved and meaningful connections within our school communities. These findings affirm the important work happening across the district each day. At the same time, the survey identified key opportunities for growth, such as maximizing opportunities for voice and input in decision making, evaluating and streamlining communication, focusing on making additional resources available to staff and students, and ensuring buildings are safe and maintained. District leadership will continue to use this feedback to reflect on current practices and guide ongoing improvement efforts. Legislative Update Several bills are currently being tracked that could impact Fort Osage. I continue to oppose the bill and will remain engaged on all legislation that could affect Fort Osage. Below is a list of other bills being closely monitored: · HB 2710 – This bill would establish an A–F school accountability system, requiring each district and school to receive an annual letter grade. If passed, it would be implemented in the fall of 2027. · HB 2872- This requires state-mandated retention for third-grade students based on specific criteria, reducing both school and parent autonomy. · HJR 173- Income tax reform would generate approximately $9 billion in state revenue. Sales tax would be reduced from 4.225% to a new rate that has not yet been determined, with some projections as high as 20%. · SB 863- Governor appointed appeals committee for student transfers. Legislative Dates Below: May 8th- Budget Bill Deadline May 15th- Last Day of Session  With spring in the air it's time to buy some Royals gear. A $25.00 gift card to Rally House will be given away to one lucky winner utilizing the RNG. For those of you interested, please send an email to [email protected] with ‘Go Royals' in the subject line. They need our help! Entries will be accepted until 8:00 am on Monday, April 27.
Giveaway prizes are not purchased with District funds. Only Fort Osage employees are eligible to enter the drawing.  It’s hard to believe that spring sports are already underway and spring break is behind us. This time of year always seems to move quickly, and it’s a great reminder of how much we’ve accomplished together so far.
Thank you for everything you do to make Fort Osage such a special place. Your dedication, energy, and care for our students truly make a difference each and every day, and it does not go unnoticed. As we continue working toward the end of the school year, let’s stay focused, support one another, and keep building on the positive momentum we’ve created. There is still important work to be done, and I’m confident in what we can achieve together. Keep up the great work!  Prior to the April 7 election, Stephanie Smith and I have continued traveling across the district to meet with community groups and share important information about Question 1 and Question 2. To date, we have presented nearly 40 times, with several additional meetings scheduled leading up to the election.
The district website, available here, provides comprehensive information on both ballot measures, including FAQs and informational videos to help voters make informed decisions. Please consider joining our staff in making phone calls to remind patrons to vote on the evening before the election. Calls will begin at 5:00 p.m. on April 6, and you can sign up here. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our schools. Please continue sharing this information with parents and community members, and encourage them to vote on April 7.  I am continuing to develop the FY27 budget, which begins July 1, 2026. The Governor’s proposed budget includes a significant state shortfall, resulting in an estimated $1 million reduction in revenue for Fort Osage.
The district is also facing ongoing financial pressures, including rising insurance costs and continued uncertainty with local funding due to county assessment issues. The cap on 2025 commercial property assessments has already reduced revenue by $1.3 million this year. Additionally, planned tax credits are expected to impact the district by approximately $7 million over the next three years, or about $2.3 million annually. We are closely monitoring these factors and staying in communication with other local taxing jurisdictions. Given these challenges, a balanced budget will require reductions. We are reviewing all open positions resulting from retirements or resignations, as well as overall expenditures, and have reduced approximately $1 million from the FY27 budget to date. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide ongoing updates.  The legislative session began in Jefferson City on January 7th and will end on May 15th. There are over 400 education bills that have been filed. Below are a few bills to which I’m paying special attention.
HB 2710: A-F Report Card- Passed the House and now in the Senate. Provides an A-F grade to every school. Only 10% of schools will be allowed to score an A. HJR 173: State Income Tax Phase Out- Voted out of the House and now in the Senate. If successful it would be on the November ballot for voters to approve. This would create an estimated $9 billion shortfall to state revenue that would require an increase in sales tax. HB 2872: Literacy Instruction- Makes changes to early literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention, including mandatory third grade retention provisions for students demonstrating a substantial reading deficiency. SB 863: MSHSAA Oversight- There have been ongoing conversations and the current compromise is that there would be a Governor appointed appeals committee rather than a complete Governor appointed committee. SB 972: Open Enrollment- Progress has slowed but this is expected to be debated before the end of the session. HB 2709: Property Tax Reform- Currently on on House calendar to be discussed.  A $25.00 gift card to the Fort Osage FFA greenhouse will be given away to one lucky winner utilizing the RNG. For those of you interested, please send an email to [email protected] with ‘Plants' in the subject line. Entries will be accepted until 8:00 am on Monday, March 30.
Giveaway prizes are not purchased with District funds. Only Fort Osage employees are eligible to enter the drawing.  I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside each of you. The difference you make in our students’ lives every single day is remarkable. As you look back on the past week, month, or year, take a moment to consider the many students you’ve supported and the lasting, positive impact you’ve had on their growth and success.
 Team Fort Osage met for the third time this year on February 20. It was a productive meeting with valuable feedback provided by the committee. There was discussion about the budget, health insurance, bond and levy ballot measures, teacher and classified salary schedules, 2026-2027 student calendar, employee leave, and legislative updates (information provided below on each). The next Team Fort Osage meeting is scheduled for April 17.
Budget I continue to prepare for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which begins July 1, 2026. The Governor’s proposed budget projects an estimated $600 million state shortfall. As a result, it includes withholdings up to $190 million from the foundation formula and a $15 million reduction in transportation funding, while maintaining funding for Career Ladder. Several challenges remain, including rising health insurance and district liability insurance costs, as well as ongoing concerns related to local funding and the County’s assessment issues. Due to the County’s cap on 2025 commercial property assessments, the District is experiencing a decrease in assessed valuation, resulting in a $1.3 million loss in revenue for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the County continues to move forward with plans to issue tax credits over the next three years to residential property owners whose 2023 and 2024 tax bills increased by more than 15%. For Fort Osage, these credits could total an estimated $3.8 million related to the 2023 assessment and an additional $3.2 million for 2024. We are continuing to receive updated information and assess how these actions may impact Fort Osage. I remain highly engaged in this process, communicating with other taxing jurisdictions about the potential effects on the services they provide to residents of Jackson County, including fire districts, library districts, and cities. Given these factors, achieving a balanced budget is not possible without making reductions to expenditures. Health Insurance Fort Osage School District’s health insurance plan operates on a calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. For the year ending December 31, 2025, the plan experienced an annual claims loss of 115%, resulting in a supplemental payment of $400,000 by the district. The new plan year began more favorably, with January claims at 95%. Additionally, the district’s monthly contribution for eligible employees increased from $800 to $880, and this amount continues to count toward retirement. I will continue to monitor the plan’s performance closely. Below is the participation for each health insurance plan which began January 1, 2026: Plan 1 ($3,600 HD Local Plus) 181 people (31%) Plan 2 ($3,600 HD) 363 people (61%) Plan 3 ($2,000 PPO) 49 people (8%) 593 people Bond and Levy Ballot Measures Stephanie Smith and I have continued traveling throughout the district to speak with various groups about Question 1 and Question 2. To date, we have presented 25 times, with several more scheduled prior to the election. The district website includes detailed information about both ballot measures, including frequently asked questions and informational videos. Question 1 is a $35 million no tax increase bond issue which focuses on safety, improved learning environments, and essential facility updates across the District. As promised in 2021, a portion of this bond issue would also be used to pay down the lease purchase. This appears as the final bullet on the ballot: “acquiring property currently leased by the District.” Question 2 is a 24 cent levy transfer over two years that would provide additional funding to help maintain educational programs, retain quality staff, and cover essential operational costs such as utilities, transportation, and other district expenses. This support is especially important given the current assessment challenges occurring within the County. Please continue sharing this information with parents and community members, and encourage them to vote on April 7. Teacher and Classified Salary Schedules We will recommend that the Board approve this year’s salary schedule at the March 10 meeting. This procedural step will allow contracts to be issued shortly thereafter. All contracts will initially reflect this year’s salary amounts and will be adjusted later, likely following the June Board meeting, to incorporate any approved changes. Given the current status of local and state revenues, the funds available for salary enhancements are significantly lower than in recent years. We are reviewing the budget to determine what resources may be available to support increases within the salary schedules. Steps and movement alone cost the district approximately $1 million. All staff will be briefed on any recommendations before they are presented to the Board, typically near the end of the school year. Updated contracts and/or reassurance letters reflecting any approved changes will be distributed afterward. 2026-2027 Student Calendar As you know, our school calendar must meet several requirements, including a minimum of 1,044 instructional hours. With a mandated 169-day calendar, state statutory guidelines governing the school start date, and six built-in make-up days, our scheduling options are limited. Staff were invited to vote on their preferred draft, and more than 250 employees participated in the feedback process. Draft A was selected, with respondents citing preferred winter break dates, professional development day placements, and parent-teacher conference structures as key factors. The Board approved this calendar, and a copy was distributed by Stephanie Smith last week. Staff working calendars are currently being developed with input from Directors and Principals and will be presented to the Board for approval in March. Employee Leave Employee leave is an important component of our staff benefits package. We consistently gather input from Team Fort, the Superintendent’s Advisory Committees, and District leaders on various aspects of this policy, outlined in the employee manual (E-115-E). This year, the idea of converting sick and personal leave into a single “paid time off” (PTO) bank has been discussed more frequently. A PTO model would provide employees with greater flexibility by eliminating the need to designate leave as sick or personal. However, a review of area districts shows that Fort Osage currently provides more sick and personal leave to certificated staff than neighboring districts. Transitioning to a PTO model would likely require reducing the total number of allotted days by one or two moving forward. At this time, the District is not planning to recommend this change for next year. Other components of the Employee Leave policy remain under consideration for future revisions, including the possibility of vacation rollover for twelve-month staff. Please contact the HR Department if you have any questions. Legislative Update Currently there are over 400 bills being tracked that would directly or indirectly impact Fort Osage. Some of bills are listed below: HB 2710 – Requires DESE to annually issue an A–F grade card for every school and school district in the state. HB 2780 – An omnibus bill outlining several property tax reforms that would reduce Fort Osage’s revenue. The bill has been sent back to committee and is being divided into two more focused bills (HB 2780 and HB 2668). HB 2329 – Reduces the personal property assessment rate from 33 1/3% to 18%, which would decrease Fort Osage’s revenue by an estimated $1.7 million. HJR 148 – Requires new construction and debt service to fall under Hancock Amendment guidelines, which would reduce revenues. SB 971- An open enrollment bill that would eventually allow up to 5% of a school’s student enrollment to transfer annually. SB 863 – Allows for a governor-appointed board to oversee MSHSAA. Important Legislative Dates Below: March 16th- 20th- Legislative Spring Break May 8th- Budget Bill Deadline May 15th- Last Day of Session |
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