The Warsaw R-IX Board of Education met on June 24th to review financial reports, approve end-of-year budget items, and prepare for the start of the 2025–26 school year.
In new business, Superintendent Scott Gemes presented a detailed review of the current year’s budget through May, end-of-year projections for the 2024–25 budget, and comparisons to the previous year. The board approved two transfers from Fund 1 to Fund 4 to support ongoing facility maintenance projects — $108,401 from transportation funds and $626,412 from the district’s Weighted Average Daily Attendance (WADA) transfer. With these transfers, the district is projected to finish the year with a reserve of approximately 42.32%, exceeding earlier projections.
The board amended the 2024–25 budget to reflect actual expenditures and formally approved all final transfers to close out the fiscal year. Mr. Gemes also shared a preliminary overview of the 2025–26 budget. The proposed budget anticipates a year-end reserve of 32.53%, assuming continued WADA transfers to Fund 4. All revenue categories are expected to decline in the upcoming year. The board approved the proposed 2025–26 budget as presented.
Additional approvals included the district’s updated Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). The theme for the 2025–26 school year will be "Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Excellence!" The board also approved the Katy Trail MOU agreement, the district’s AMI plan for the upcoming year (noting AMI days will be used first), and an update to Policy I-140-P, which will go into effect August 1st when the district’s new social service coordinator begins.
The board received an update on the recent school bus inspection report conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and approved surplus technology items for disposal. Handbooks for the 2025–26 school year were reviewed and approved, along with a quote for new stage lighting and curtain upgrades for the high school stage.
The board recognized and thanked Dr. Loren Whetsell for his service as a board member and CSIP committee participant. His connections to local organizations and his time as a substitute teacher were noted as valuable contributions to the district.
During the closed session, the board approved the hiring of two paraprofessionals.
The board will hold a special open session Tuesday, July 9th, to interview candidates to fill the board vacancy left by Whetsell. A board retreat will be held following the appointment of the new board member.
The next regular Warsaw R-IX Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd, at 6 p.m. in the HS/JBMS library. For more information on board meetings and other upcoming events, please contact the Warsaw R-IX School District Central Office or visit
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