Students and staff at New Franklin R-I School are benefiting from upgrades completed over the summer.

The upgrades were funded by a bond measure passed by voters in April 2024. Supt. Benji Dorson…

Dorson provided the update during Wednesday, Aug. 20’s board of education meeting, which also saw the board maintain the district’s tax rate.

Dorson noted that no one provided public comment during the hearing which preceded Wednesday night’s meeting. The New Franklin school board approved a revised budget to reflect the established tax rate, then also approved their annual application for state transportation aid.

The board also reviewed and approved several updated policies to bring the district in line with recently passed state statutes, including those restricting cell phone use during the school day and allowing home-schooled students the opportunity to try out for New Franklin’s MSHSAA-governed sports and activities. However, the board tabled until their next meeting Sept. 17 the adoption of their special education compliance plan.