The Fairfax R-3 School District Board of Education held its tax rate hearing Monday, August 17, 2026, in the Fairfax R-3 Library. The meeting was called to order by Miles Smith, board president, at 5:30 p.m. Also present were: Crystal Woodring, Shelby Hurst, Stephanie Stevens, Treyvor Umbarger, and Shannon Long, board members; Mrs. Barbara Terry, principal; and Dr. Jason McDowell, superintendent. Courtney Grossman was absent.

Board members voted to approve the agenda.

The tax rate hearing information was presented. No public comments were made.

Board members voted unanimously to approve the tax rate as presented at 4.7884%. The meeting adjourned at 5:32 p.m.

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The regular meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m. Present were: Stephanie Stevens, Shannon Long, Shelby Hurst, Crystal Woodring, Miles Smith, and Treyvor Umbarger. Courtney Grossman arrived at 5:46 p.m. Also in attendance were: Barbara Terry, principal; Jason McDowell, superintendent; and Karen Burke, secretary.

Visitors included Beth Graves and Tracy Oswald. They addressed the board regarding gym renovation.

The agenda was approved, including additions and deletions.

Consent Agenda

The board reviewed the following consent agenda items:

• Review of the July 16, 2026 regular session minutes.

• Review of the balanceHQ financials.

• Payment of bills

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. McDowell reported on the following items:

The interior tuckpointing has been completed and looks great. The exterior window work has been finished also. The tuckpointing took around a week and the other work was three days. Both of these projects were completed using the funds raised through the community as well as the Patterson Family Trust. That north wall of the original part of the building has now been stabilized and moisture should no longer be an issue. What was considered a pretty large structural issue has now been resolved.

The condenser under the stage has been replaced. It took a week from start to finish. Several feet of additional pipe had to be replaced due to how brittle it was. In some places pinhole leaks had started to form.

The boiler was tested Thursday to check for leaks around the building. The boiler itself kept shutting off during its continuous cycle so they weren’t able to get the full pressure built up around the building. Someone is coming in soon to see what the issue is. It may need to be tested on a weekend if school is already in session.

The school’s AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) plan was approved by DESE. They will be able to tap into those days if there are weather issues before they have to make up any.

Dr. McDowell received some more information on the CSIP (Comprehensive School Improvement Plan) cycle 2 tasks that will need to be completed. Cycle 2 is more of a checkpoint than an end of one plan and the start of another. He will keep the board updated through this process.

FFA will be presenting next month on some things they have planned for the school year. Dr. McDowell hopes to have an organization present at most board meetings to share what great things they are doing in the building.

Principal’s Report

Mrs. Terry’s report included the following:

They are excited to implement several new programs and initiatives designed to strengthen both student learning and the overall student experience at Fairfax R-3. This year, the focus will center on seeing students “Through Their Lens” considering their perspectives, building strong relationships, and ensuring that our decisions and practices are grounded in what is best for kids.

Instructionally, they are strengthening Fairfax’s school-wide approach to literacy, mathematics, assessment, and data-informed instruction while continuing to build staff capacity through professional development and collaboration. They are also expanding opportunities for students through initiatives such as the Accelerated Reader program, strengthened character and social-emotional supports, and continued development of programs that address the academic, behavioral, and individual needs of students. The goal is not simply to add programs, but to be intentional about implementing practices that make a meaningful difference for students. They are looking forward to a year of growth, collaboration, and continued investment in the people and programs that make Fairfax a special place to learn and grow.

Several school items were reported:

• Back-to-School Open House and Elementary Carnival will be August 25 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

• Elementary: School-wide AR, Math Facts, Handwriting Without Tears 2, one recess for third-fifth grade.

• Junior high/high school: No student issued Chromebooks, sixth-eighth grade exploratories together, curriculum based interventions.

• Professional Development Focus for 2026-2027 school year – Through Their Lens: Beginning of the year PD, Fairfax mandatory state trainings and district expectations, step up curriculum resources, zones of regulation, AR training, Handwriting Without Tears, Rocket Math, and an overview of data teams.

Athletic Director’s Report

All schedules have been finalized for the 2026-2027 school year.

Trainings have been sent to all Fairfax teachers

Coaching duties for the 2026-2027 school year are: Madison Hagey, head varsity volleyball and assistant varsity track; Daniel Umbarger, head varsity golf and head junior high girls’ basketball coach; Cal Nichols, head baseball coach; Barb Terry, assistant high school volleyball coach; Jaycee Nell, assistant junior high girls’ basketball coach; Kerry Baker, assistant high school cheer; Sam Terry, assistant junior high and high school girls’ basketball coach; and Kris Umbarger, volunteer assistant junior high girls’ basketball.

Fairfax will be hosting varsity football on August 28 against North Andrew.

The gym floor project has been moved back and the gym will be unavailable. Fairfax will switch the previously scheduled September 1 game with Tarkio’s October 1 volleyball game. Fairfax is currently looking for an alternative locker room for the football game on August 28.

Field paint has been purchased to mark the football field. All plugs on the football field have been found and some will be replaced after the August 28 game.

Varsity sports practices started on August 10 and junior high sports will begin on August 17.

Physicals and yearly requirements are being updated as they are received.

Consent Agenda

The consent agenda was approved.

New Business

Board members discussed milk bid prices, which were noted to be slightly higher. Anderson Erickson was referenced. The bid from Anderson Erickson was approved.

The board also approved the Booster Club gym updates as presented with a donation of $3,000.00 towards the painting of the gym renovation.

Board members unanimously approved the Vo-Tech bus payment.

The 2026-2027 substitute list was approved. Treyvor Umbarger and Courtney Grossman abstained.

The board discussed a fence bid that was just under $5,000. The project was not budgeted. The matter will be brought back to the board at the next meeting.

The board approved adding May 25, 2027, as a final snow make-up day.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m.