The Elmbrook School District Board of Education meeting on October 29, 2024, focused primarily on the approval of the final adjusted budget and tax levy for the 2024-2025 school year. Board member Sam initiated a motion to approve the budget, which was seconded by Jean.

During the discussion, Sam acknowledged the hard work of the district staff in preparing the budget, particularly noting the challenges they faced. He raised a question regarding the projected levy rate, which was initially estimated at $6.09 but ended up at $6.52. The increase was attributed to lower-than-expected property growth, which only rose by 1.54% compared to the conservative estimate of 4.98%. This discrepancy resulted in less wealth to distribute across the levy, contributing to the higher rate.

The board also discussed the impact of expenditures from Fund 80, which includes costs related to community services. It was noted that if these additional expenses had not been included, the levy rate could have been approximately 8 cents lower. The conversation highlighted specific needs for upgrades in food service equipment, including walk-in coolers and ovens, which are essential for the district's kitchens.

Another point of discussion was the anticipated costs associated with School Resource Officers (SROs). Board member Mary inquired about the budget implications since the SROs would not be in place until January, suggesting that the budgeted amount might not be fully utilized this year. The board confirmed that any unspent funds would return to the fund balance.

Additionally, the board addressed the contingency for additional full-time equivalents (FTEs), confirming that there remains a contingency of one and a half positions in the adjusted budget, which provides flexibility for staffing needs.

The meeting concluded with a call for any further questions before proceeding to vote on the motion to approve the budget. The discussions underscored the board's commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility as they navigate the financial landscape for the upcoming school year.