Royal Oak Schools Board approves 2025-2026 budget and tennis court renovations

Royal Oak Schools made significant strides during its Board of Education meeting on May 8, 2025, with key decisions impacting the district's budget and facilities. The board approved the budget for the International Academy for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, ensuring continued educational support for students. This approval was followed by the endorsement of the Oakland Schools budget, which is crucial for maintaining collaborative educational services across the region.

In a move to enhance athletic facilities, the board authorized the resurfacing of tennis courts, set to take place over the summer without disrupting ongoing activities. This decision reflects the district's commitment to providing quality sports facilities for its students.

Additionally, the board approved the replacement of kitchen equipment at Royal Oak Middle School, utilizing excess funds to ensure compliance with federal guidelines. This upgrade is expected to improve food service operations, benefiting students directly.

The meeting also highlighted the renewal of the food service management contract with Chartwells, which is essential for maintaining quality meal services in schools. This renewal marks the second of four optional one-year agreements, ensuring stability in food service management.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the upcoming budget development for the 2025-2026 school year. The district is facing a projected structural deficit of approximately $4.6 million, largely due to changes in state funding and rising operational costs. The board is actively negotiating with various bargaining units to address these financial challenges.

In terms of enrollment, the district reported 299 kindergarten registrations, with hopes of reaching flat enrollment numbers by the start of the school year. The board emphasized the importance of community engagement in maintaining and increasing student enrollment.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for the hard work of staff and the community's support, reinforcing the district's commitment to providing quality education and resources for all students. The discussions and decisions made during this meeting are expected to have lasting impacts on the Royal Oak community as the district navigates its financial landscape and prepares for the upcoming school year.