The Mexico Public Schools Board of Education set the 2025-26 tax rate at its Aug.19 meeting, with the rate remaining the same as last year - $4.6191 per $100 valuation. 

The rate was approved in a 6-0 vote, with trustees Chris Williams absent.

Broken down, the rate amounts to $3.67 designated to the Incidental fund, $0.8691 to the Debt Service fund and $0.08 to the Capital Projects fund. The school district’s combined real estate and personal property values (assessed values) rose from $236.1 million last year, 2024-25, to $263.6 million in 2025-26.

Also at the meeting, Superintendent Troy Lentz provided a rundown of the district’s construction projects around campuses. Among the improvements and renovations, from Lentz’s report to the board:

• All mechanical equipment and ductwork have been installed for the HVAC projects at the high school, Eugene Field Elementary School and the middle school. Final adjustments to controls are being completed. 
• The office and entryway renovations at the middle school are nearing completion. The second set of doors in the vestibule will be installed after the start of school, and the kitchen renovation at the middle school is on pace to be completed before December. Framing has begun with the classroom additions for the middle school. The project is on pace to be completed by the end of December. 
• The siding is up on the soccer field/tennis court concession stand, and the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of December.
• All playground surface and equipment installation has been completed at McMillan Early Learning Center, Eugene Field Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary School.

Lentz told the board that the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce and Commitment to Community (C2C) are partnering to expand the chamber’s Workforce Resource Assistance Program specialist program to Mexico Public Schools. The WRAP specialist will be able to support all district employees, and there is no cost to the district associated with this program. The program can help employees with personal matters, if they need someone to talk to, or if they run into a financial bind, the employee can inquire about a micro loan.

“I think it’s a really good thing to offer to our staff, and it didn’t come at any cost to the district,” Lentz said. “It’s a great way to partner with the chamber.”

Lentz said if it got to a spot where the chamber and C2C could not support it, the district could look at doing it, but it would be in the context of where the district’s budget is.

On transportation matters, Lentz said the district is starting the new school year with fewer drivers than last year, as retirements and people moving have played into the loss of drivers. One route has been cut, so the district will begin the year with 17 routes and 931 riders and 25 drivers (including substitute and trip drivers). Among the complications: Many routes will require students to sit three to a seat. People interested in becoming a bus driver may call 573-567-7422. Lentz said other districts are experiencing the same issues with bus driver shortages. The district could consider examining raising the pay for bus drivers, he said.

Also in the superintendents’ report, Assistant Superintendent Julie Welch discussed convocation, new teacher week and the curriculum training. The board approved the final review of the Continuous School Improvement Plan, a fluid document that was developed collaboratively during the 2024–2025 school year, with active engagement from all stakeholders, according to district information. Teachers, administrators, parents, students and community members contributed through forums and surveys.