The Fayette Board of Education passed the next fiscal year budget, made a slight increase to school lunch prices, and updated the district’s policy on cell phone use amid a wide-ranging meeting Wednesday, June 18, to finish off the 2024-25 school year.

The budget for the 2025-26 fiscal anticipates more than $9.1 million in revenues, which includes a two percent increase in assessed valuation for the district, bringing the total to $68,508,377, or $3,543,930 higher than that of last year. The district expects to conclude the year with a fund balance of  63.7%, far higher than the board’s minimum of 25%, and several points higher than what was expected just a few months ago.

The board also voted in February to pay off more than $1 million in bond debt, resulting in higher expenditures this fiscal year, but ultimately saving the district $82,000 in interest payments. It also paves the way for a bond initiative which is expected to be on the April 2026 ballot.

“We spent more than budgeted, but it was a smart move,” said Superintendent Brent Doolin.

The new budget also raises the base pay for all teachers by $1,000 in an effort to closer the match the state’s requirement of a base salary of $40,000. Currently the state provides extra funds to ensure the minimum salary is met. Fayette is currently eligible to receive $34,832 from the state to help cover the gap. However, it is expected the legislature will stop providing the grant, leaving districts on the hook to meet the minimum requirement without state aid.

The budget also includes a 2.5% increase to classified staff wages to meet new minimum wage requirements, and adds increases for health insurance benefits and more money for classroom supplies. Sixty-nine percent of the budget goes to pay for salaries and benefits.

Also included in the budget are capital projects such as paving the bus loop on the west side of the high school, bricking up windows on the back of the stage, and adding new carpet for the elementary and middle school library. Also budgeted is the resurfacing of the high school gym floor. However, the matter was tabled until August to seek bids.

The district’s three principals reported strong attendance and improved behavior during the 2025 summer school session. Daly Elementary Principal Samie Hill noted that the school hosted 141 students—29 more than last year—with average daily attendance rising to 82%, up from 80.7% in 2024. She said not competing with the Howard County Fair in the final week of the summer session was the reason for the attendance increase this year.

Clark Middle School Principal Abby Arnette, who is transitioning next year to the role of director of student services, reflected on a “bittersweet” end to the year but emphasized a notable drop in disciplinary referrals. 

Fayette High School Principal Jason Hannam reported a smooth summer school session, with all students who needed to recover credit successfully doing so. He also noted issues with vaping among high school students, and suggested the district change is athletic manual to allow coaches their own criteria in naming lettermen, rather than rely on a decades-old universal standards. Board members expressed agreement, provided coaches coordinate with administration to maintain year-to-year consistency, and make the standards known prior the season starts.

Curriculum Director Cheri Huster presented detailed data from the district’s NWEA assessments. While most achievement scores remain below the national 50th percentile benchmark, some gains were observed at the elementary level, especially in reading. Huster emphasized that middle school math is a particular area of focus, citing the need for teacher continuity and improved vertical alignment in instruction.

“It will take a couple of years to get where we want to be,” Huster said.

Mrs. Hill said the elementary school has been focusing on preschool and kindergarten, and credited all-day preschool and kindergarten readiness efforts for improving early test scores. The district will also benefit from a new Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant that will fund a literacy team and training over the next three years.

The board also approved a mandatory increase in lunch prices, up 10 cents to $2.85 to comply with DESE’s federal pricing formula. Breakfast prices remain unchanged.

In response to expected state legislation, the board adopted a new cell phone policy that prohibits student use of phones and smart devices during school hours. Smartwatches, earbuds, and AirPods are included in the restriction. The policy extends “from bell to bell,” and does not apply to school buses.

Board members and administrators discussed the importance of consistency among teacher enforcement regarding mobile phones. “There can’t be any exceptions,” said Hannam. “Everybody who’s implemented this says it takes about three days for the kids to adjust.”

Transportation Director Gary Beeler reported that the bus fleet is in good condition, with no immediate need for replacements. He also raised the possibility of reinstating bus service for summer school students in the future, depending on demand and potential reimbursement. The bus fleet had its first citation in years during the annual inspection by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A fluid leak in a wheel was found and fixed that same day.

Board members spent a significant portion of last week’s meeting discussing ways to implement how attendees may use credit and debit cards at the gates and concession stands at athletic events. After 27 minutes of discussion, the board gave unanimous approval to use Hometown Ticketing as a vendor to accept cards. The company will provide two terminals, and the district will purchase six more at a cost of $59 each. Swipe fees and other costs will be paid by the consumers at the time of purchase, with no additional costs to the district.

The board also agreed to add an online payment module to Teacher Ease, which the district already uses with is parent portal, to accept card payments online starting in the fall for such expenses as lunch costs, library fees, and class dues.

Board members also gave unanimous consent for purchases including new smart boards, and approved a new contract with Blakemore Cleaning at an increase of $18,532.80 for the year to cover an increase to the state’s minimum wage.

A handful of overnight trips for basketball and softball teams this summer were also approved, one of which was already underway at the time of the meeting.

The board scheduled its next policy committee meeting for Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the central office. It will be the only meeting by members of the board in July. The BOE does not normally meet in July, so the next full meeting will take place on August 20.

The school board regularly meets in the high school library on the third Wednesday of every month except for July. Meetings are open, agendas are published in advance on the district’s website, and the public is invited.