Litchfield Board Approves Community Outreach Plan and Transfers Funds for Debt

Litchfield CUSD 12 Meeting | September 18, 2025

Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved a new grant-funded community outreach program and authorized a significant fund transfer to service debt. The board also introduced a large group of new staff members to the community.

Community and Finance Key Points:

• Grant-Funded Magazine: The board hired Journey 12 to produce a semi-annual magazine for the community starting in February 2026, fully funded by grants.

• Debt Payment: A transfer of $785,100 from the Capital Projects Fund to the Debt Service Fund was approved to pay alternative revenue bonds.

• New Staff: The district introduced numerous new teachers and staff members across all buildings.

• Residency Policy: The board approved the second reading of a policy allowing full-time non-resident employees to enroll their children in the district tuition-free.

In addition to passing the annual budget, the Litchfield School Board handled several business items during its September 18 meeting.

The board voted 5-0 to approve a contract with Journey 12, a service of Speaking Volumes, LLC, for a new community outreach initiative. Superintendent McClain described the program as a way to share district stories through a semi-annual magazine distributed to the community.

“This program will begin in February 2026,” McClain said. “Thanks to grant funding, we’ve secured. It comes at no direct cost to our local taxpayers.”

On the financial front, the board authorized the transfer of $785,100 from the Capital Projects Fund to the Debt Service Fund. This transfer is necessary to pay principal and interest on alternative revenue bonds using sales tax revenue that is initially deposited into the Capital Projects Fund.

The board also finalized a policy change regarding employee benefits. The second reading of Board Policy 7:60 was approved, allowing full-time employees who live outside the district to enroll their children in Litchfield schools tuition-free, provided there is space available.