[{"_1":2,"_86":-5,"_87":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6259541,"mediaKeyId","3140757-a5092bf8d5a1c70563197e278c891e76","parentId",3140757,"title","Preliminary 2025–26 budget shows shortfall; board urged to track state funding and senior tax credit impacts","audioSeconds",1359,"startMs",1663000,"endMs",3022000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3140757-a5092bf8d5a1c70563197e278c891e76&start=1663&end=3022","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3140757-a5092bf8d5a1c70563197e278c891e76/thumbnail_1663000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6259541/WEBSTER-GROVES/School-Districts/Missouri/Preliminary-202526-budget-shows-shortfall-board-urged-to-track-state-funding-and-senior-tax-credit-impacts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259541-ede50c19ece249f84f336e294eb9ef5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131722&Signature=HsmaCy8XX6~mG7EVuxIdiK0ULe-xZbcPk1aYpdXd61Ue6vi8tysf4HlGgyc1gE1sndFYHA7fJrx~QAxPuAe4ioThPUbXEnqn3M2rRqn-rk5WKjbi6995Aww9W~ZElj21eoOOXeqDzubZtCwwIsnG7dX5dB2MhE9V-A9lEXtPRyfhn~BynIP0-GkvYWD1tob1rD5RPy~byEZj20-p7O8UrB4VAyrd7le10xv9wtzoTWWoGn7u~uTSJU~GKZgHIUNkpvAPWWblM1aqFLPFi7hXRTGrwGkUxaYDg6ZEMopqFUmYMKMq4aAh798qX0oybO9SdXvvNdJgZvtcI8Myjj3FhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-29T00:17:51.173Z","article","Webster Groves School District leaders on April 24 presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget that projects a deficit under current assumptions and warned the final gap will depend on pending state budget decisions and local property tax changes.

Superintendent John (Dr.) Simpson and district finance staff told the board the district received preliminary assessed valuation figures from the county showing roughly 14% reassessment growth, but the Hancock Amendment limits tax growth to the consumer price index (CPI) (reported at 2.9%). Staff said the district therefore used a conservative revenue estimate of a 2.25% tax base increase for planning and will update figures when final assessed valuations and tax rates are certified.

Key drivers and figures discussed
- Prop S and capital: not part of the general fund projection but described elsewhere; staff reported Prop S commitments and ongoing capital projects.
- Revenue assumptions: staff used the district's weighted average daily attendance and a state adequacy target of 6,760 pupils for state funding estimates. Because congressional and state budgets remain unsettled, staff provided two scenarios tied to competing state budget proposals; the deficit range presented in the meeting materials was roughly $3.8 million under one funding scenario and roughly $2.1 million under an alternative Senate proposal.
- Senior property tax credit and reassessment: staff said a new senior tax credit (applications due in June, per staff discussion) and reassessment volatility complicate revenue projections; the county has not yet provided final counts for credit applicants.
- Health and benefits: staff told the board preliminary health insurance projections show a roughly 20% premium increase in district costs; dental was projected to rise about 4.1%.
- Staffing and enrollment: staff described using attrition and careful FTE evaluation to manage costs and avoid nonrenewals when possible. Enrollment shifts across elementary schools (for example Avery, Clark, Givens) were discussed as factors in section counts and staffing needs.
- Federal funds: ESSER pandemic relief funds have been fully spent; federal food service and Medicaid reimbursements were forecast roughly flat or slightly up based on current trends.

Board members asked for clarification on how attrition and boundary changes affect classroom sections and were told the district is evaluating positions and grade‑level needs before making staffing decisions. Staff said they will return in June with a proposed budget for adoption and will again update the board in the fall when final assessed valuation and tax rates are available.

Why it matters: The board must adopt a budget by state timelines while decisions by the legislature on formula funding and by the county on property‑tax credits can materially change revenue. Staff urged continued advocacy around state funding levels and noted that even modest shortfalls are amplified by rising benefit and utility costs.

Next steps: Staff will bring the formal preliminary budget to the board for approval in June, present adjustments after final county valuations are certified, and continue to monitor legislative activity affecting open enrollment, vouchers and other education funding items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WGSD BoE Meeting 4/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","District officials presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget at the April 24 meeting that projects a multimillion‑dollar shortfall under current assumptions and warned the final gap depends on pending state budget and local tax credit decisions.","taxTitle","WEBSTER GROVES, School Districts, Missouri","taxId",53601,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6259546,"Board approves Prop S contracts, abatement and districtwide maintenance agreements",3133,2027000,5160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3140757-a5092bf8d5a1c70563197e278c891e76&start=2027&end=5160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3140757-a5092bf8d5a1c70563197e278c891e76/thumbnail_2027000.jpg","/articles/6259546/WEBSTER-GROVES/School-Districts/Missouri/Board-approves-Prop-S-contracts-abatement-and-districtwide-maintenance-agreements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6259546-f385e2a5a0aea677a9265ac321759d2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131722&Signature=QgzydiOj0u08naTBu1aKZZPjOAoRQ5mFxAbiaKx9fKZKvmtutgseQZsrDTY~ebnBiKAxhaW-Q0OpGJZS~UVtv9-5LgLQIpehyrIZQgBCXPgk-scmBtwJ5PGQ48Z3kbByJnX3n9SjLz3QuFzvqBPYZN9UASCwmR5xiNjNbmIu2ZfyTuKPRcwSZlNr1w5yVoVQlvg2A3AGLxZV7KUca-e7LJBYMfz2SSz5ho6HXlj9AX~zMVVc~dEZvQhlmvUpAEUCxcjiscI7iP9fidRU-2-WeP7XqeCoCAfZt21t70STWMHZ6Dyg6art1mTN0CNMz23uQoiYXNkyZIqXSBJ-tmp5vQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Webster Groves School District Board of Education on April 24 approved several contracts and maintenance agreements funded by the district's 50.4 million dollar Prop S program, district staff said.

Board members voted to award an asbestos abatement contract for the Hixson family and consumer sciences (FACS) classroom and to approve a larger construction package to rebuild and expand that FACS space. The board also approved repairs to high‑school cooling towers and a districtwide preventive maintenance agreement for HVAC equipment.

District facilities presenter Jacob Myers summarized Prop S spending and commitments before the votes, telling the board the district has spent roughly $27 million and has committed about 77% of the Prop S budget. He said the district also used a $241,000 Missouri safety grant last year to supplement interior door replacement work in the security category of Prop S.

Details of the approved items:
- Hixson FACS abatement: Wellington Environmental was recommended and approved for the abatement package at a contract price recorded in the meeting as $82,000.86. The abatement is required before demolition and reconstruction of the FACS classroom because asbestos was identified in that room.
- FACS classroom construction: The board approved a construction contract (recommended: United Construction) to rebuild and reconfigure the Hixson FACS space, add ventilation and exhaust hoods, and update cabinet and finish work. District staff said the full scope grew from earlier estimates mainly because of hood and ventilation costs required for safe culinary instruction; grant funding for career and technical education is expected to reduce the district's net cost to roughly $1.1'$1.2 million compared with a higher bid figure reported during discussion.
- Cooling tower repairs: The board approved a repair package for the high‑school cooling towers through cooperative purchasing (vendor: IFS). Staff said the towers remain functional but need work to restore efficiency for hot weather operation; the cost was described in discussion as being covered from the maintenance budget.
- HVAC preventive maintenance agreement: The board approved a districtwide planned maintenance agreement with Integrated Facility Services (IFS) to provide semiannual and annual inspections, cleaning, testing and prioritized service for rooftop units, chillers, boilers and related systems. Staff said the agreement is intended to reduce emergency repairs and extend equipment life while securing discounts on parts and labor.

Board procedure and votes: Each contract was presented and discussed by staff and voted on during the consent/action portion of the meeting. Motions were made from the floor and carried by voice vote; individual roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the public transcript excerpt.

Why it matters: The approvals move the Prop S program from planning into construction and maintenance work that district officials say will address safety, accessibility and instructional needs (for example, adding ventilation for culinary classrooms and completing camera and badge upgrades). District staff said Prop S spending decisions also include use of grants and reallocation among Prop S categories when necessary to meet project scope.

What comes next: Staff said abatement work will precede construction at Hixson and that some packages will proceed concurrently. Camera replacements, exterior door upgrades, roof and rooftop unit work and masonry repairs were noted as ongoing or scheduled for upcoming months. The board will receive additional contract and budget details as packages are brought forward.","At its April 24 meeting the Webster Groves School District board approved multiple Prop S‑funded construction and maintenance contracts, including an asbestos abatement at Hixson, a FACS classroom rebuild, cooling tower repairs and a districtwide HVAC preventive maintenance agreement.","actionData","errors"]

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Preliminary 2025–26 budget shows shortfall; board urged to track state funding and senior tax credit impacts

Board approves Prop S contracts, abatement and districtwide maintenance agreements