August 13, 2026 School Board Meeting, McDonald County Schools, Part 1

The McDonald County Schools Board of Education meeting on August 13, 2026, included several financial and procurement-related matters. The board approved a resolution to redeem $850,000 in principal on the district’s Series 2020 general obligation bonds, with the prepayment scheduled for March 1, 2027, and an estimated $42,500 in future interest savings. It also approved an amendment to the existing construction contract covering the end-zone facility and concession stand; no amendment amount was stated. Construction updates covered the press box, grandstands, end-zone facility, and planned concession-stand work, with no unforeseen expenditures reported. The district is evaluating proposals for LED displays at the stadium, gyms, and other school facilities, but made no vendor selection; finalists are expected to present before a recommendation returns to the board in September. The presentation described possible advertising partnerships and a goal of recovering the investment within five years. An audit was also requested for potential new bleachers and gym flooring at Anderson Elementary.

The board discussed a proposed contract with Parallel for virtual school psychology evaluations and related services to address vacancies. The estimate was based on 70 evaluations, with projected savings of about $130,000 compared with current staffing costs; the transcript ends before any approval or final contract terms are recorded. A finance committee recommendation for one-time stipends of $1,200 per full-time employee and $600 per part-time employee was also presented, subject to eligibility requirements, but no board action is captured. Separately, the Newton-McDonald County Cattlemen’s Association presented a $16,654.77 contribution for a student backpack program. The board also approved a student request to attend the FFA national convention with 28 students; no associated cost was stated.