During a recent government meeting, the board reviewed and approved the monthly financial reports, which were reconciled as of June 30, 2024. The reports indicated a total cash availability of $55 million and year-to-date interest income of $2.8 million. Local revenue collection stood at 98.9%, consistent with expectations for the tax year, while state revenues were projected to increase with an anticipated payment of $7.5 million due in September.
The board also discussed budget amendments necessary to accommodate August payroll accruals, which reflect salaries earned by teachers but not paid until September. The administration highlighted the need for these adjustments due to a significant movement of funds between function codes, particularly to cover salaries in the instructional function.
In a subsequent public hearing, the administration presented the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, emphasizing the need for a voter-approved tax rate election to address ongoing deficits. The proposed budget reflects a projected deficit of approximately $5.6 million, primarily due to a decrease in state aid by $4.5 million. The administration underscored the importance of maintaining educational quality while managing budget constraints, noting that the district has been operating under a deficit budget for three consecutive years.
The board acknowledged the efforts of the administration to identify cost-saving measures without compromising educational standards. They discussed the necessity of additional funding to support increasing student enrollment, maintain facilities, and provide competitive salaries for staff. The meeting concluded with a unanimous approval of the financial reports and budget amendments, setting the stage for further discussions on the upcoming budget and tax rate considerations.