Board adopts preliminary 2024–25 budget; administrators cite state aid correction, deficit reduction and referendum on Nov. 5

The Eau Claire Area School District Board of Education on Oct. 7 adopted a preliminary 2024–25 budget after a presentation by Dr. Mark Ellworthy, executive director of business services, and accounting manager Zeke Stuerwold. The board also reviewed a draft levy and the district’s rationale for placing an operational referendum on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Dr. Mark Ellworthy said a formula correction in state aid — caused by an earlier year district audit/timing issue — increased Eau Claire’s July 1 state aid estimate and reduced local levy pressure. He also said the state designated an additional categorical aid of about $1,017,000 (personal property funding treated as categorical aid rather than a levy reduction) for the district this year. Ellworthy reported the district closed 2023–24 with an unaudited deficit of about $7,250,000, an improvement from the previously projected $9,240,000 deficit.

Ellworthy outlined the district’s fund structure: Fund 10 (general fund), Fund 27 (special education) and Fund 29 (Head…