During the recent Tonganoxie USD 464 Board Meeting, key discussions centered around the district's budget for the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting the significant challenges and considerations surrounding special education funding.

The district's expenditure budget is set at approximately $11.28 million, with a staggering 95.4% allocated to personnel costs, including salaries and benefits for employees. This heavy reliance on personnel funding underscores the district's commitment to maintaining a robust educational workforce.

A critical point raised was the district's goal to increase its cash balance from just over $132,000 to $250,000. This increase is particularly important as it prepares the district to meet the unpredictable needs of special education students, whose requirements can vary significantly from year to year. The board emphasized the necessity of being financially equipped to address any unexpected demands that may arise.

The budget discussion also revealed that 52% of the district's funding comes from local assessments, which are determined based on a cooperative agreement among districts. This year, the funding distribution reflects the previous year's student counts, with some districts contributing more due to higher enrollment figures.

A notable concern was the anticipated decrease in state funding for special education. The district expects to receive approximately $29,600 per staff member, which is $1,200 less than the previous year. This reduction poses challenges as the district navigates the complexities of budgeting for special education, especially since the exact funding amounts are not confirmed until late in the school year.

Transportation costs for special education also emerged as a significant issue, with the state reimbursing 80% of these expenses. However, as inflation continues to rise, there are concerns that increasing transportation costs could further strain the overall funding available for special education services.

The board is actively advocating for improved special education funding methods, as current reimbursement practices may not adequately meet the district's needs. A committee is currently exploring alternative funding strategies, and updates will be shared with the community as they become available.

As Tonganoxie USD 464 prepares for the upcoming school year, the discussions from this meeting highlight the ongoing challenges in securing adequate funding for essential educational services, particularly for students with special needs. The district remains committed to advocating for necessary resources to ensure all students receive the support they require.