Eureka schools navigate tightening budgets and technology triumphs after busy fall season

The Eureka County School District Board meeting convened on November 18, following a season marked by athletic achievements, community engagement and significant technical transitions. While the district’s independent audit delivered a clean bill of health, Superintendent Tate Else underscored the financial challenges stemming from new state funding formulas, even as the district successfully positioned itself ahead of the curve in terms of administrative technology.

With all members present, including High School student representative Reagan Mello, the board moved swiftly through the achievements of the fall and the critical decisions shaping the district’s future.

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Financial stability confirmed, but warning issued

The Board began by reviewing the district’s 2025 fiscal year Independent Audit Report, presented via Zoom by audit manager Kelli Jones of Hinton Burdick CPAs & Advisory.

Jones reported that the audit found the district’s financial statements were correct and that the firm found no deficiencies in the financial reporting. There was only one state-level compliance finding, a required written explanation for three consecutive years of decline in the general fund balance.

Financial highlights showed that the overall fund balance increased by $601,000, with non-major funds adding $1.48 million, which compensated for an $879,000 drop in the General Fund. All funds were confirmed to be operating within approved budgets.

Despite the positive audit, Superintendent Else injected a note of caution regarding the state of school funding across Nevada. Else noted that the recent changes from Senate Bill 543 (SB543) are making district finances “very challenging,” and the drop in the ending fund balance is a direct “fallout from the funding plan and loss of revenue.”

Else warned that “several districts are not in good fiscal conditions right now” and predicted upcoming school closures in several counties. While he acknowledged Eureka’s position is “still much better off” than others, the fiscal landscape remains precarious. The Board unanimously approved the audit.

High school triumphs and college prep

High School Principal John Glover detailed a busy fall season characterized by strong student performance in athletics and academics, along with key career development initiatives.

• Career Fair Success: Glover reported on a successful Career Fair held on Nov. 3, which drew 43 vendors. All high school students attended, and plans are being made to adjust the timing of the next event to increase parental involvement.
• Red Ribbon Week: The school completed its Red Ribbon Week activities Oct. 23-31, under the theme, “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.” Glover thanked local partners, including Steve Zimmerman and Irma Davila of Juvenile Probation and Dave Hicks of the Sheriff’s Office, for their crucial presentations.
• Fall Sports Wrap: Glover praised the hard work and dedication of the students despite tough losses. The football team had a “heartbreaker in Mineral County,” losing 36-39, but Glover was proud of “how our kids played and our coaches coached.” Junior high sports awards were recently presented, and the high school is now transitioning to winter sports, including basketball and wrestling, with the first home basketball game scheduled for Dec. 20.

Academic Achievement: Eureka hosted the State Academic Olympic tournament on Nov. 17, drawing 17 participants from across Nevada. Eureka’s team placed second in a fantastic day of competition, narrowly missing the top spot. Glover thanked board member Doug Dickover for volunteering for five hours to ask questions during the event.