Hillsboro School Board Approves Contingent Transportation Cuts and Facility Fee Changes Ahead of Proposition H Vote

The Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education approved a series of financial measures during its October 29th meeting, including the potential elimination of district provided transportation for extracurricular activities and changes to community facility rental fees if voters reject Proposition H on November 3.

The decisions came as Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson outlined worsening financial projections, with anticipated state funding losses increasing from approximately $786,000 in the district's original budget to roughly $1.4 million.

Board members also approved employee appreciation stipends, discussed staffing adjustments, authorized a specialized student transportation agreement, and heard public comments addressing Constitution Day and allegations involving a school board member.

State Funding Shortfall Grows to $1.4 Million

During his superintendent's report, Isaacson explained that anticipated state funding losses have nearly doubled since the district adopted its budget in June.

The district originally projected a $786,000 shortfall, but updated estimates now place the potential loss at approximately $1.4 million. Isaacson attributed the increase partly to the Missouri State Board of Education's September decision not to seek an additional $300 million in state education funding.

Isaacson emphasized that the district's financial difficulties are occurring despite years of local tax reductions and debt elimination.

“These challenges were not created by local decisions, but they will require local solutions,” Isaacson said, referencing language included in the district's previously adopted budget.

He noted that Hillsboro's school tax levy decreased from $3.67 to $3.43 per $100 of assessed valuation for 2026, a reduction of 24 cents.

According to figures Isaacson presented, the district's current levy is lower than approximately 85% of Missouri school districts. He also said Hillsboro had achieved the largest reduction in school tax rates statewide between 2019 and 2025, measured in both dollars and percentages.

He argued that inflation has substantially reduced the purchasing power of the revenue collected by the district even as operating expenses continue to increase.

The district has also added a permanent property tax information page to its website, including a calculator and instructions for residents to review their own property tax records.

Board Approves Potential Elimination of Extracurricular Transportation

One of the meeting's most consequential decisions involved transportation for athletics, extracurricular activities, school-sponsored events, and field trips.

The board approved a measure that would discontinue district-provided transportation for those activities beginning January 1, 2027, only if Proposition H fails in the November 3 election.

If voters approve the proposition, existing transportation practices will remain in place.

Under the approved contingency, families would become responsible for arranging transportation to extracurricular activities, although the district would continue offering the programs themselves.

Isaacson explained that the district travels approximately 52,000 miles annually for extracurricular transportation. He cited approximately $89,391 in directly attributable driver wages and benefits during the 2025–26 school year, in addition to fuel and other costs.

The superintendent estimated that eliminating district transportation for the second half of the current school year could save approximately $15,000.

He acknowledged that the change could create difficulties for families, particularly those whose students participate in winter sports or other activities requiring travel.

The possibility prompted considerable discussion among board members.

One board member expressed discomfort with approving the measure before voters had decided Proposition H, explaining that residents might interpret the action as a threat rather than a necessary financial contingency.

“I don't want our community to see this as a threat. It is a reality, unfortunately,” the board member said.

Isaacson responded that the district was attempting to communicate potential reductions before the election rather than waiting until afterward.

He said approving the contingency in advance would provide families, transportation employees, and school administrators additional time to prepare if the measure fails.

After the discussion, the board approved the contingent transportation reductions, with an abstention noted during the vote.

Facility Rental Fees Also Tied to Proposition H

The board also approved changes to the district's community facility rental procedures, separating the matter into two votes following discussion about how the new fees would be implemented.

The first action approved revised rental rates and requirements for recovering personnel and operating expenses.

Beginning January 1, 2027, organizations using district facilities may be required to reimburse the district for associated staffing costs, including custodial services.

Isaacson explained that outside organizations have historically been permitted to use some district facilities at little or no charge, particularly youth sports programs and community groups serving district students.

However, he said the district can incur additional expenses when facilities are used outside normal operating hours.

The revised procedures are intended to recover those expenses when additional personnel are necessary.

The second vote established different rental classifications depending on the outcome of Proposition H.

If Proposition H passes, the district's existing A, B, and C rental classifications will remain in place, subject to the revised fees and cost recovery requirements.

If Proposition H fails, the district will eliminate the A and B classifications for outside rentals, requiring outside organizations and individuals to pay the approved Group C rates unless otherwise required by law.

That change could affect community organizations, youth sports programs, and other groups that have traditionally benefited from reduced or waived facility rental charges.

Both measures passed.

District Plans Staffing Adjustments Without Layoffs

Isaacson also outlined possible staffing adjustments as the district prepares for continued financial uncertainty.

He explained that the district does not currently plan to replace its departing communications employee and is reviewing other positions that could remain unfilled as vacancies occur.

Potential adjustments include library secretary positions at the primary, elementary, and intermediate schools, along with changes to part-time cafeteria supervision positions.

The superintendent emphasized that the district is not proposing to terminate current employees as part of these adjustments.

Instead, administrators would consider transferring existing staff into available positions and leaving certain vacancies unfilled.

Isaacson said the district's priorities remain classroom instruction, academics, and student safety.

Board Approves $233,250 Employee Appreciation Program

The program, now in its fourth year, combines financial recognition with an activity encouraging employees to express gratitude toward colleagues and community members.

Under the approved plan, eligible full-time employees will receive $550, while qualifying employees hired in September and eligible daily part-time workers will receive $250.

The estimated total cost is $233,250, excluding associated retirement contributions and payroll taxes.

Isaacson explained that the expense had already been incorporated into the district's budget and supports its employee culture and communication goals.

The superintendent acknowledged the contrast between approving employee appreciation payments while simultaneously discussing vacant positions and financial reductions.

He said the district remains committed to recognizing employees while evaluating expenditures elsewhere.

The board approved the initiative without opposition.

Specialized Student Transportation Agreement Approved

The board also approved a transportation services agreement with Assist Services LLC, doing business as Buckled In, for specialized student transportation needs.

The agreement covers October 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

District administrators explained that certain students require transportation arrangements that cannot reasonably be accommodated through regular bus routes.

Administrators described one situation in which district personnel have been personally transporting a student to De Soto because existing bus routes cannot accommodate the required travel.

The agreement will provide an additional transportation option when these circumstances arise.

The board also approved the annual renewal of its John Deere tractor rental arrangements and two sets of board policy revisions.

Residents Address Constitution Day and Board Member Conduct

Two residents addressed the board during the public comment portion of the meeting.

One citizen thanked the district for recognizing Constitution Day after she had previously raised concerns about the observance of the September 17 holiday.

She said she was pleased to see the elementary school's Constitution Day activities featured in a district publication and expressed hope that additional schools would participate in the future.

Another citizen addressed the board regarding a complaint involving an unnamed board member following a Hillsboro football game in Farmington.

He alleged that a board member approached him aggressively during a disagreement involving his son and another adult.

He told board members that he had filed a police report and that video footage of the incident had been preserved.

He also requested a formal review under board policy BBF, the board member code of ethics, along with documentation of the complaint, appropriate corrective action, and a public apology.

The allegations were presented by the citizen during public comment and were not independently established during the meeting. The board gave no determination regarding the complaint.

Nor did Board members publicly deliberate on the allegations during the comment period, consistent with the meeting's stated restrictions on discussing matters outside the posted agenda.

Students Recognized for Statewide Culinary Showcase

The meeting also included recognition of Hillsboro students and staff for their accomplishments.

District officials reported that Hillsboro High School was selected to showcase its Junior Hawks Chef program during the Missouri School Boards' Association statewide conference.

Three high school culinary students and four intermediate-level students participated in the event, preparing food samples and demonstrating the district's hands-on culinary education initiative.

The program, hosted by Hillsboro High School FCCLA, provided students with an opportunity to interact with school board members, administrators, educators, and vendors from across Missouri.

District officials recognized educators Erica Huskey and Cyndi Heitert for their work supporting the program

The superintendent also shared a letter from the POW/MIA Museum thanking Hillsboro teachers, students, and staff for their participation in POW/MIA remembrance activities.

Proposition H Decision Will Determine Next Steps

With the November 3 election approaching, Hillsboro R-3 officials face decisions about maintaining educational programs and services while responding to higher operating costs and declining state funding projections.

The board's approval of contingent transportation reductions and facility rental changes establishes measures that would take effect if Proposition H is rejected, while preserving existing transportation practices and rental classifications if the measure passes.

Additional staffing adjustments and expenditure reductions remain under consideration as the district continues evaluating its financial position.

The Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education is scheduled to meet again on November 19 at 7:00 p.m., with another regular meeting planned for December 17 and a winter workshop scheduled for January 7.

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