Special Called Board Meeting- August 4, 2026

The Woodford County Public Schools held a special called board meeting on August 4, 2026, focused on the school district's budget and tax rate considerations. The superintendent and finance officials presented a detailed overview of the district's financial challenges, including the need to hold the current tax rate at 63.3 cents to stabilize the budget and avoid further cuts. They discussed significant budget reductions totaling approximately $5 million made over the past year, including central office reorganizations, position eliminations, and expense controls such as travel freezes and technology spending cuts. The board emphasized transparency and community engagement through multiple forums and detailed financial reporting. The presentation highlighted the impact of rising property assessments on state funding formulas, which have resulted in decreased state support despite increasing local property values. The board underscored that holding the tax rate would maintain funding stability without raising taxes for most residents, with an average savings of about $6.66 per month compared to a 4% revenue increase option. No vote on the tax rate was taken at this meeting; that decision is scheduled for the regular August 24th meeting. The board encouraged public input during the upcoming tax hearing and stressed the importance of stewardship, transparency, and community partnership in sustaining educational programs and staff retention.