Smoky Valley Public School District 400 special meeting on June 30, 2025

1. Board begins groundwork for a future bond issue

Superintendent-elect Larry Hogan told Smoky Valley USD 400 the district needs to pick a community committee to study long-range capital needs, the first procedural step toward any bond election. No timetable or dollar figure was set, but the mere launch of a Bond Planning Committee signals that taxpayers could see a proposal surface in the coming year.

2. Two-tier health insurance plan adopted for 2025-26

On a 5-0 vote, the board approved a new two-tier health plan for employees. Member Karla Pihl moved and Vice-President Chris Baker seconded the change, which locks in district contributions before next year’s open enrollment and helps staff compare coverage costs more easily.

3. August 11 strategic work session with KASB set

Trustees scheduled a two-hour evening workshop with the Kansas Association of School Boards and consultant Mr. Breese to refine goals before classes resume. Such sessions typically shape superintendent evaluation criteria and guide curriculum or facilities priorities.

4. District renews full insurance package with Fuqua Insurance

Continuing its long-standing relationship, the board unanimously accepted Fuqua Insurance’s bid for property, casualty, and liability coverage. Final premiums were not disclosed in open meeting, but officials said locking terms early protects the 2025-26 budget from mid-year rate shocks.

5. Federal and state lunch & breakfast programs re-upped

Trustees again authorized participation in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs, ensuring subsidized meals remain available to eligible families next year—a routine vote but one that affects hundreds of students daily.

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Contact: greg@loql.ai