School Board Meeting | September 8, 2026

The Polk County Public Schools Board held a regular meeting on September 8, 2026, addressing several procurement and budget-related matters. Key procurement discussions included approval of a contract with Carr, Riggs, and Ingram for internal audit services valued at $135,000 annually for three years, despite some board members expressing concerns about cost and succession planning. The board also approved a pharmacy benefits manager remarketing program and selected People One Health as the new clinic vendor, aiming to improve employee health services and achieve significant cost savings. Additionally, the board unanimously approved the tentative agreement for the teacher salary increase allocation and passed the final budget and millage rates for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, including a local capital improvement millage of 1.5 mills. Other notable actions included naming the Jewett Middle Academy Band Building in honor of Johnny Bernard Neal Jr. and approving a turnaround option plan for Eagle Lake Elementary School. Several board members emphasized the need for improved transparency and communication in procurement processes and highlighted ongoing challenges with budgeting for staff raises amid state funding constraints.