The Vian Board of Education met on August 11, in a productive session focused on preparations for the 2025-26 school year, approving several key policy updates, staffing decisions and infrastructure improvements.

The meeting opened with public comment, where sophomore Brynn Barnoski, recently crowned a national champion in TSA speech, thanked the board for expanding the school’s TSA (Technology Student Association) program into the high school. Board members praised Principal Carrie Joe Willis for spearheading the effort.

Anita Davis also addressed the board, encouraging community participation in a T-Mobile promotion on Instagram, which could earn the school valuable prize money.

Facilities, testing, personnel

Superintendent John Brockman gave an overview of back-to-school developments. He confirmed that the football field turf project is on track to be completed before the first home game. A creative repurposing of the field’s removed soil allowed the district to level the baseball outfield, solving a long-standing issue with minimal expense.

However, concerns were raised about the initial plan to seed the outfield. Board members expressed doubts about whether grass seeded in August would take in time for baseball season. Board member Jeff Cotner proposed and the board approved a modification to use sod instead, at an added cost of $15,000, citing better reliability.

Brockman also provided early updates from spring state testing, cautioning that the preliminary data were incomplete and lacked comparative benchmarks. More conclusive results are expected later this fall.

In a discussion about elementary school improvements, board member John Ford asked for an update on implementation. Brockman noted that administrators are collaborating with other districts to refine improvement plans. Board members also pushed for hiring an additional teaching aide in early grades, after one was added in May.

Financial overview, fundraisers

Treasurer Erica King presented fund reports and several fundraisers, all of which were approved unanimously. Among them:

• FFA will offer largeformat printing and sign-making services.

• Colorguard will hold a raffle giveaway to support uniform and equipment purchases.

• The PTO will launch a school-wide T-shirt fundraiser.

The board also reviewed carryover balances from the previous year, with the General Fund at $2.1 million and Building Fund at $1 million. A more detailed budget will be presented in the fall, pending state and federal funding updates. Policy, calendar updates

The board made a strategic move to switch from a day-based to an hour-based calendar system, which allows more flexibility for partial days due to weather or emergencies.

In a comprehensive review of school policies for the new year, the board approved the majority of recommended updates but declined to adopt proposed changes related to Artificial Intelligence and a new Title IX policy, citing concerns about clarity and effectiveness. The current Title IX policy will remain in place. All other updates, including those related to student behavior, discrimination, support leave, and certified staff leave, were approved.

Approved communication platforms for the 2025-26 school year include Remind, Parent Square, Hudl, Google Classroom, Team Reach, and the district’s official email system — the same list as last year.

Staffing, facilities The board accepted the resignation of Sevella Mosley and moved into executive session to discuss staffing for the coming year. Upon returning to open session, several personnel moves were approved:

• Allison Black was hired as high school custodian

• Ryan Taylor was hired as athletic facility custodian The following adjunct teaching assignments were also approved:

• Callie Prier – U.S. History

• Jordan Taylor – Psychology • Charles Matt Davis – Intermediate Social Studies Extra duty assignments and stipends for the year were also approved.

In new business, Cotner shared an update on plans to convert the old high school library into a band room. Preliminary steps on code compliance, design plans and funding are underway. The structure, originally part of a nowdemolished building, remains intact and is being repurposed to meet the school’s growing music program needs.

With student success, infrastructure improvements, and careful financial planning at the forefront, the Vian Board of Education continues to lay the groundwork for a strong academic year.

The meeting adjourned following the completion of all agenda items. The next meeting is expected to include budget finalization and updates on staffing and elementary initiatives.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.