The Ralston Board of Education reviewed the district’s preliminary 2026-27 budget and reported stable financials that will allow the district to maintain its tax levy without drawing from savings. The board also discussed the growing Ralston Schools Foundation, which is working to redefine its mission to support current students and teachers in addition to providing scholarships. The final budget is expected to be approved at the board’s Sept. 14 meeting.
The board also received updates on school safety, including the rollout of the new RAVE emergency communication app, which allows staff to quickly and discreetly alert administrators and, in some situations, law enforcement, during emergencies. Other updates included plans for district professional development, a growing elementary 4-H club that may expand to additional schools, and approval of multiple policy changes, an Avenue Scholars partnership agreement, an attendance awareness proclamation and early graduation requests for three students pursuing careers in the medical field.
Meeting documented by Thara Michaelis
Read full meeting notes here
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Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.
