Pulaski County School Board - Special Called Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Pulaski County School Board held a special called meeting on September 22, 2026, primarily to discuss a proposed 1% sales tax referendum set for the November ballot. The board reviewed detailed documents outlining the current capital improvement funding plan, which relies on retired debt service and carryforward funds totaling about $5 million annually, and the potential impact of the sales tax, which could generate an estimated $5 million per year for 20 years. The funds would be dedicated exclusively to capital projects such as facility modernization, athletic facilities, and infrastructure improvements. The board approved the publication of a dedicated webpage to educate the community and provide a platform for questions about the referendum and capital needs. Members also discussed the risks of relying on current debt service agreements with the county, which could change with new leadership, and the challenges of rising costs and limited state funding. Additionally, the board considered implementing a spending freeze at the central office to manage budget pressures due to rising fuel and utility costs. No new contracts or vendor selections were made during the meeting, but the discussions centered on funding strategies and community engagement for future capital projects.