Interborough School Board tackles budget deficits and athletic program enhancements

The Interboro School District Board of School Directors convened on February 1, 2025, to address various agenda items, including financial reports, committee updates, and public comments.

The meeting commenced with a brief public comment session, allowing community members to voice their concerns. Following this, the board approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on January 15, 2025, with a unanimous vote of 8-0.

The solicitor's report highlighted ongoing legal matters, including contract reviews and personnel issues, as well as updates on tax assessment appeals and relevant state and federal education developments.

The board then moved to financial matters, starting with the treasurer's report for January 2025, which was also approved unanimously. The board discussed fund disbursements totaling over $9.7 million, which received the same unanimous approval.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the finance committee's report. The committee revealed a projected $4.5 million deficit in the general fund budget, attributed to decreased revenue and increased expenditures. The board is considering a potential 1.5% tax increase to mitigate this deficit, which currently stands at approximately $3.8 million if implemented. The committee emphasized a conservative approach to budgeting, particularly regarding state revenue projections.

Additionally, the finance committee reviewed requests from the athletic department, including proposals for new sports programs and equipment upgrades. While the committee expressed support for these initiatives, they acknowledged the need to address the budget deficit before finalizing any additions.

The meeting also included updates from various committees, including the legislative committee, which discussed recent legislative actions affecting education funding and proposed bills related to student health and curriculum. The next legislative meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2025.

In conclusion, the board's discussions underscored the financial challenges facing the district while also highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance educational programs and community engagement. The next finance committee meeting is set for March 3, 2025, where further budget discussions will take place.