Oshkosh Area Board of Education 8/12/26

The Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education held a meeting on August 12, 2026, focusing extensively on several key areas including the School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), referendum project updates, budget challenges, and strategic planning. The board discussed the SRO program's collaborative MOU with the Oshkosh Police Department, including roles, training, costs (approximately $305,000 annually), and community concerns about accountability and student rights. The referendum update highlighted ongoing construction projects at several schools, noting some delays but overall progress within budget. The budget report revealed a structural deficit with expenditures exceeding revenues, a reduced fund balance to 7%, and significant healthcare cost challenges, prompting discussions on potential structural changes and financial sustainability. The board also reviewed proposed key performance indicators (KPIs) for academic achievement, staff retention, student belonging, community engagement, and fund balance, aiming to align strategic initiatives with measurable goals over the next five years. Several consent agenda items were approved, and future agenda topics including an artificial intelligence policy update were noted.