 Congratulations on completing another successful school year! Each year brings both celebrations and challenges, and I appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication in making so many successes possible.
Regardless of your role, each of you plays an important part in the great things happening across the District. Have a wonderful and well-deserved summer!  Team Fort Osage met for the fifth time this year on May 14. It was a productive meeting with valuable feedback provided by the committee. There was discussion about the budget, health insurance, salary schedules, employee leave, and legislative updates (information provided below on each). The next meeting will be held next fall with Dr. Grant.
Budget This year’s budget has been impacted by several significant financial challenges. Midway through the year, Fort Osage experienced a $1.1 million reduction in local revenue following the County’s decision to cap commercial property taxes. Looking ahead, the County has also indicated that the district should anticipate additional decreases in local funding next year due to the issuance of approximately $2.3 million in tax credits. In addition, projected state revenue for next year has been reduced by roughly $1.4 million. The successful passage of the levy transfer in April will generate approximately $1.5 million in additional revenue for the district’s operating fund. Even with this added revenue and approximately $1.8 million in budget reductions, Fort Osage is still projected to operate with a deficit budget next year. Although several financial factors remain uncertain, the district must continue to take a cautious and responsible approach, as local, state, and federal funding sources are expected to remain volatile in the years ahead. Health Insurance Fort Osage’s health insurance renewal was January 1. Through April, claims are 95%, resulting in a $150,000 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. Below is the participation for each health insurance plan: 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 Salary Schedules Per my email earlier this week, at the June Board meeting I will, at a minimum, recommend steps and movement on the salary schedule totaling approximately $927,000 in additional expenses. Despite ongoing financial challenges, Fort Osage remains committed to maintaining competitive salaries compared to area districts. This requires balancing our commitment to staff with the responsibility of managing a projected deficit budget. In consideration of these factors, and barring any unforeseen changes to state or local funding, I will present the recommendations outlined below to the Board of Education at the June meeting for their consideration. Certificated Salary Schedule Recommendations:
Additional Compensation for Certified Staff Recommendations:
Extra Duty
Classified Salary Schedules
Certificated and Classified Administrators/Directors
All Staff Certificated contracts, with the new salary and placement information, will be sent following Board approval in June. Extra duty and extended day contracts will also be sent following Board approval in June. Classified letters of assurance, with Board approved rates of pay, will be sent in June. If you have any questions you may contact the human resources department at 816-650-7004 or email Debbie Peterson at [email protected]. Employee Leave This year, the District implemented protected/ineligible leave days during the final week of school with students. This change was made to support students during the important final days of the school year, improve student attendance, and help ensure a smooth transition into summer. We also recognize this was a new process that required adjustment for staff, and we appreciate everyone’s flexibility and cooperation in helping ensure our schools remained fully staffed during the final week students were on campus. Thank you for your support. Based on ongoing conversations with Team Fort, the following employee leave recommendations will be presented to the Board for approval in July:
This change would only apply to the following staff groups:
Legislative Update The legislative session concluded on Friday, May 15. Throughout the session, more than 400 bills that could have impacted public education were monitored. Overall, the session was defined as much by what did not pass as by what did. While there was relief that several concerning bills failed to advance, many of these issues are expected to reemerge in future legislative sessions. Below is a summary of key bills that were closely monitored and their outcomes: HB 2710 — School Accountability This bill would have established a statutory A–F letter grade system for schools. It did not pass before the session ended. However, implementation of a similar system is still likely, as the Governor issued an executive order directing its development. The State Board of Education and DESE are currently determining how the system would be structured. HB 2872 — Literacy and Retention This literacy bill would have required mandatory retention of certain third-grade students who did not meet specific literacy benchmarks. Although the bill did not pass, policymakers continue to show strong interest in literacy legislation, making future proposals likely. HJR 173 and HJR 174 — Tax Reform Since the Governor’s State of the State address in January, state income tax reform remained a major topic of discussion throughout the session. Despite significant attention, no legislation was ultimately passed. Missouri currently receives approximately $9 billion in annual revenue from income taxes, which could potentially be replaced through an increase in sales tax revenue. School Funding For the current school year, the foundation formula is underfunded by approximately $138 million. The proposed budget for next year underfunds the formula by an additional $190 million, along with a $15 million shortfall in transportation funding. School Choice There were no major changes to Missouri’s school choice landscape, as no open enrollment legislation was passed.  For those of you interested, a $25.00 gift card to Andy’s Frozen Custard will be given away to one lucky winner. To enter, send an email to [email protected] with "Summer Treat” in the subject line. Entries will be accepted until 8:00 a.m. on May 26 and will be mailed to the winner.
Giveaway prizes are not purchased with District funds. Only Fort Osage employees are eligible to enter the drawing. away  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. |
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