BOE Work Session 2026.09.08

The Siloam Springs Public Schools Board of Education held a work session on September 8, 2026, focusing extensively on the 2026-27 school year budget and related financial planning. Key procurement and budget discussions included projected revenues from property taxes, state funding decreases due to declining enrollment, and various local revenue streams such as facility rentals and reimbursements. The board reviewed expenditures including salaries, benefits, and significant capital improvement projects like the fine arts facility sound system upgrade, scoreboard improvements, and warehouse renovations for indoor sports facilities. They discussed the purchase of two buses annually and the need for an additional special education bus due to capacity issues. The board also deliberated on the carryover fund percentage, with a consensus around maintaining a 10-12% carryover to ensure financial stability and cash flow. Additionally, they addressed the upcoming Day Springs Elementary project, which received $6.8 million in state funding, and the associated second bond issuance, debating the appropriate borrowing amount to balance cash flow needs and minimize debt. The board considered employee Christmas bonuses, weighing financial prudence against staff appreciation, with a tentative agreement around a $1,500 bonus. Overall, the session was a comprehensive review of fiscal strategy, capital projects, and personnel-related expenditures, setting the stage for budget approval by October 1, 2026.