The Enterprise City Schools held its first budget hearing on September 9, 2025, focusing on the allocation of funds for the upcoming school year. The meeting provided insights into how the budget will support educational initiatives and personnel.

The discussion began with an overview of the budget, highlighting a total of $11.2 million derived from multiplying the number of units by a per-unit cost of $27,254. This funding is primarily designated for state-qualified expenditures, which include salaries and benefits for support personnel. Notably, all maintenance staff, previously funded locally, are now fully supported by state funds.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to Classroom Instructional Support (CIS) funds, which are distributed directly to schools. Each school forms a committee elected by teachers to decide how to spend their allocated funds on classroom supplies, professional development, and library enhancements. This year, teachers will receive $1,000 each for student materials, an increase from last year's $900, which previously included a shared pot for common purchases. This change allows teachers greater autonomy in deciding how to utilize their funds.

Additionally, the budget includes a local funds line, referred to as the 10 mil match, which requires the district to contribute $3.7 million in property tax to qualify for $43 million in state funding. This matching requirement is seen as a beneficial arrangement for the district.

The meeting also addressed the reintroduction of a line item for student growth in the budget, which had been absent in the previous year but is now reinstated for 2026. Such adjustments are determined annually by the state legislature, reflecting the dynamic nature of educational funding.

Overall, the budget hearing underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational resources and providing teachers with more control over their classroom expenditures, while also navigating the complexities of state funding requirements. Further discussions and decisions will continue as the budget process unfolds.