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Board approves preliminary FY2025–26 budget; staff to finalize after unit counts and state confirmation
Summary
The board approved a preliminary budget for 2025–26 that incorporates referendum revenue and the recently approved split tax rate; staff set discretionary lines conservatively and said federal and state receipts remain subject to final confirmation.
The Colonial School Board approved a preliminary fiscal-year 2025–26 budget that staff described as conservative and contingent on unit counts and final state allocations. The motion to adopt the preliminary budget was moved by Ms. Breeding and seconded by Dr. Dorsey; the motion carried.
Why it matters: Finance staff told the board that state-restricted funding is expected to rise about 4.1 percent, driven by allocations such as the Public Education Compensation committee adjustments, while discretionary funding tied to student units is likely to decline slightly because of projected stagnant enrollment. The budget presentation is intended to hold the district through final state unit counts and revenue confirmations.
Key details: District staff said they set discretionary budgets at 75 percent of prior-year levels to retain flexibility until the district receives finalized unit and grant figures. Restricted lines with predictable federal or state drivers were set at more realistic expected levels. Transportation and minor capital funding showed notable increases in the staff presentation. Staff also noted one previously flagged $1.3 million federal reimbursement remained unresolved with the state at the time of presentation; if the federal reimbursement is not paid by the state, the district could be asked to reimburse that amount.
Board discussion and direction: Board members, including finance committee participants, asked for continued fiscal prudence and timely updates. The board voted to approve the preliminary budget to allow administration to proceed with operations while staff finalize unit counts and confirm federal and state receipts.
Ending: Staff will return to the board with the final budget after state unit counts and any changes to projected federal reimbursements are resolved.
