09/28/2026
I keep a close eye on School Board decisions that affect our students, teachers, staff, families, and taxpayers. The image included is from my post before the September 22nd meeting.
Last fall, the School Board asked to put $5.8 million in leftover FY 2024-25 funds into the Schools Health Insurance Fund. City Council has the final say on those funds, and it said no, unless the health fund was depleted. The health fund is now at $15 million; much improved, but not yet to the $20-24 million goal.
Now, at the City Manager's request, the proposal is:
$3 million for a city cross-country trail at Princess Anne Commons, promoting sports tourism, ecotourism, and local use
$2.8 million to replace the school division's payroll system
The School Board votes on Oct. 13. If it approves, the plan could go to City Council as early as Oct. 20.
On a personal note: my daughter runs high school cross-country, and she'd love a beautiful course. So would her teammates! Right now her team practices at First Landing, Mount Trashmore, and the Kellam High School track.
But I have to ask: is a new course the best use of money that was set aside for our schools, when our buildings and buses have so many pressing repair needs?
I'm also asking what collaboration happened between City Council and the School Board. The two bodies rarely meet together, and sending school funds to a city project is a precedent worth watching.
The superintendent has offered to help set up a presentation about the cross country plan, and I hope that happens before the vote.
If this matters to you, sign up to speak or send comments to the School Board before Oct. 13. 💙
