The Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education tackled several important topics during its June meeting, including approval of the preliminary 2026-2027 budget, expansion of student opportunities, long-range facilities planning, and continued investments in school operations. Throughout the meeting, one message remained clear: the district is committed to transparency, responsible financial stewardship, and inviting the community to help shape the future of Hillsboro R-3.
One of the biggest takeaways from the meeting is that the district wants community members to be involved before any major long-term decisions are made. District leaders announced the first Community Engagement Session for the Facilities Master Planning process, where residents can learn more about future facility needs, ask questions, and provide feedback before any recommendations are considered.
Community Invited to Help Shape the Future
Parents, staff, students, taxpayers, and community members are encouraged to attend the first Facilities Master Planning Community Engagement Session:
Tuesday, July 21
6:30 p.m.
Hillsboro Intermediate Board Room
The meeting will introduce the master planning process, explain how future facility needs are being evaluated, and provide opportunities for attendees to share ideas and priorities. District leaders emphasized that no final decisions have been made and that community feedback will play an important role in shaping any future recommendations.
Preliminary FY2027 Budget Approved
The Board also approved the Preliminary Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, establishing the district's financial roadmap for the coming year. The budget reflects projected revenues and expenses while continuing investments in:
Classroom instruction
Employee recruitment and retention
School safety
Transportation
Technology
Facility maintenance
Student programs
District administrators explained that the budget is preliminary and will continue to be updated throughout the year as additional information becomes available regarding enrollment, assessed valuation, state funding, and expenditures.
What This Means
For families, the budget serves as a blueprint for how Hillsboro R-3 plans to invest taxpayer dollars during the coming school year. It is designed to support day-to-day operations while continuing to strengthen educational opportunities and maintain long-term financial stability.
Superintendent's Budget Message Highlights Long-Term Planning
Along with the preliminary budget, Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson presented his annual budget message outlining the district's long-term financial priorities.
Among the highlights:
Hillsboro R-3 will make its final General Obligation bond payment, eliminating approximately $27.7 million in bond debt since 2019.
The district continues to maintain one of the lowest school tax rates in Jefferson County while investing in employees, student programs, school safety, and facilities.
Teacher starting salaries have increased to $45,500, helping Hillsboro remain one of the region's most competitive districts for educator recruitment and retention.
District leaders also discussed growing financial challenges facing Missouri public schools, including state funding uncertainty, inflation, and unfunded mandates, while reaffirming their commitment to local decision-making and responsible planning.
New Ways for Students to Excel
The Board approved the creation of a Hillsboro High School Academic Team, giving students another opportunity to compete in MSHSAA-sponsored academic competitions.
The program will allow students to showcase their knowledge in subjects such as science, mathematics, history, English, and current events while developing teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking skills.
In addition, Board members granted preliminary approval for 34 overnight student travel experiences involving athletics, fine arts, agriculture, career and technical organizations, and leadership programs. These trips allow students to compete, perform, and represent Hillsboro R-3 across Missouri and throughout the country.
Celebrating Students Who Make a Difference
The Board recognized Hillsboro students and families for an extraordinary accomplishment.
Representatives from the American Heart Association presented the district with a commemorative banner recognizing more than $520,000 raised through the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge over the years.
During the 2025-2026 school year alone, Hillsboro students raised more than $18,000, while over 1,500 students and family members participated in activities promoting heart health and CPR awareness.
New Podcast Expands District Communication
The Board also highlighted the launch of the district's new Hawk Talk Podcast, another effort to improve communication and transparency.
The first episodes focus on understanding the district budget, long-range planning, state legislation, and school finance, while future episodes will feature academics, school safety, student programs, facilities, and conversations with district leaders, staff, students, and community partners.
Supporting Students Through Responsible Operations
The Board approved several operational items designed to keep district programs running efficiently, including:
Renewal of the district's annual Sodexo Food Service Management Contract.
The annual independent financial audit, providing continued oversight of district finances.
Year-end budget amendments and required fund transfers that ensure financial records comply with Missouri accounting requirements. District officials emphasized these actions do not authorize new spending but simply move previously budgeted funds into the correct accounts.
Agreements for athletic apparel, cross-country timing services, and utility vehicles supporting district maintenance, athletics, and agriculture programs.
Board Earns Statewide Recognition
For the third consecutive year, the Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education received the Missouri School Boards' Association Governance Award, recognizing excellence in governance and leadership. The achievement aligns with one of the district's strategic goals outlined in its Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
Stay Connected
Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Facilities Master Planning Community Engagement Session on Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hillsboro Intermediate Board Room. The meeting marks the beginning of a community-wide conversation about the future of Hillsboro R-3 schools, with district leaders emphasizing that community voices will help guide future planning efforts.
For those unable to attend, complete Board agendas, supporting documents, meeting minutes, and video recordings are available on the Hillsboro R-3 School District website. The district remains committed to providing transparent communication and keeping the community informed about decisions affecting students, staff, and taxpayers.