Board approves submission of FY25 requests to state for special-education and English-learner excess costs

The Lindmar Community School District Board voted to authorize two fiscal-year 2025 requests to the state School Budget Review Committee (SBRC). One request seeks allowable growth for the special-education deficit; the other requests supplemental state assistance for English-learner excess costs.

A motion authorizing district administration to submit the allowable growth request of $4,813,953.20 for the fiscal year 2025 special-education deficit was moved and seconded; the board voted in favor and the motion carried. A board member noted the district’s special-education deficit had been larger in the prior year and that recent reductions reflected departmental work and accounting processes; staff said a fuller budget presentation would be provided in October.

The board also approved a motion authorizing submission of a modified supplemental amount request of $727,388.63 for fiscal year 2025 English-learner excess costs. That motion was moved, seconded and carried without further debate.

During discussion, board members praised district leadership and staff for actions that reduced the special-education deficit from a larger figure the prior year and said more detail will follow during the October budget presentation. District staff stressed that the requests and accounting follow standard procedures and that the October session will provide full background and reconciliations.

Both approvals authorize staff to pursue state review; final SBRC action will be at the state level and is not automatic. The district will present supporting documents and budget detail in the board’s October meeting.