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Pewaukee board approves preliminary 2025–26 operating budget and staffing plan amid uncertainty over state aid
Summary
Board adopted a preliminary 2025–26 operating budget showing a small projected tax rate decrease and a 0.8 full-time-equivalent staff reduction; administrators warned final figures depend on state biennial budget, enrollment counts and property valuations.
The Pewaukee School District Board on May 19 approved the district’s preliminary operating budget and staffing plan for 2025–26, with administrators noting several key variables remain unresolved and could change the district’s final funding picture.
John Gann, the district business official, described the budget as “a plan for the upcoming year” and reminded the board the state biennial budget, the third‑Friday September pupil count and October property/equalization certifications will materially affect final revenues. The presented plan projects a 2.6% increase in general fund expenditures and anticipates a small decrease in the district’s tax levy and an approximate 2.7% drop in the property tax rate, conservatively estimated based on projected property value changes.
The staffing plan as presented shows a net reduction of about 0.8 full‑time equivalent positions in order to balance the preliminary budget. Administrators said staffing and benefits account for roughly 78% of operating costs, so personnel choices carry the largest financial impact. Board and staff discussed a request from a constituent for a line‑by‑line accounting of the approximately $1 million in additional allowable revenue compared with last year; Gann agreed to prepare that detail before the annual meeting for public review.
Board members questioned the prudence of reserving the additional revenue versus allocating it now. Administrators reiterated the budget aligns with the district’s strategic priorities—retaining staff and directing resources to improve student achievement—and cautioned that legislative changes could alter final revenue available to fund positions and programs.
Board member Stacy Newcomer moved to approve the preliminary budget and staffing plan; the motion passed after in‑meeting voice votes (recorded opposition and abstentions were noted on the record). The board approved an accompanying budget amendment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to reflect higher-than-projected common school fund receipts, proceeds from auctioned equipment and other adjustments; Gann said the amendment increases general fund revenues and expenses by roughly $126,000. The amendment also records a $9 million premium received in the debt-service fund and adjusts capital-construction funds for completed emergency repairs and final costs of the recent field project.
Administrators said they will publish the amended budget as required by statute and provide the requested line‑by‑line breakdown of the one‑time additional revenue prior to the annual meeting.
