During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the allocation of a $200,000 curriculum budget that has been in place for the past five years, which is divided between elementary and secondary education. The focus was on enhancing curriculum resources, including assessment tools and online materials, with a proposal expected to be presented in July regarding a new testing standard for secondary education.

Concerns were raised about the increasing costs associated with safety and security measures within the school budget. The budget report indicated a significant rise in funding for safety programs, with a proposed increase in the general fund allocation for salaries, benefits, and purchase services related to security personnel, including School Resource Officers (SROs). The total budget for safety and security is projected to grow substantially, reflecting the need for additional armed guards and improved safety measures.

Officials acknowledged that previous budget estimates for safety programs did not accurately reflect the true costs, leading to a request for a revised levy amount of $1 million to cover these expenses adequately. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that budget proposals align with actual operational costs to maintain effective safety and educational standards.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjust the curriculum levy, ensuring that the necessary funds are allocated appropriately to support both educational and safety initiatives moving forward.