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Board approves budget amendment; finance staff and superintendent flag funding uncertainties from legislature
Summary
Trustees approved the district’s budget amendment, which staff said increases operating revenues by about 2.7% and reflects a decrease in ESSER funds. Superintendent and finance staff cautioned the board about possible state compensatory funding changes and statewide projected deficits.
The Worthington Public School District board on Monday approved a routine budget amendment that staff said realigns revenues and expenditures through the fiscal year to reflect actual enrollments, state and federal allocations and program spending.
Carmen (finance staff) told trustees the operating revenue fund was up about 2.7% for the period through April and that general fund expenditures were down about 3.4% compared with original projections. Staff noted a $2.3 million reduction in ESSER funds carried from prior years and said transportation, maintenance and winter‑related costs varied from prior years because of weather and staffing differences. Capital spending for the Prairie roof was included in the revised budget; the net increase in fund balance was described as about $2.4 million.
The board approved the budget amendment by voice vote following a motion, with no individual roll call recorded in the public transcript.
Superintendent’s report: The superintendent reminded trustees about rising enrollment and shared an estimate of 287 projected high‑school graduates for the coming ceremony. The superintendent also urged trustees to monitor legislative activity, saying compensatory funding remained unclear in pending state action and noting the state’s projected long‑term budget gap. “One of my biggest concerns is nowhere have I seen compensatory… being both harmless,” the superintendent said, warning that a change could represent about a $2.7 million hit to the district’s finances if not protected.
Other routine approvals: At the same meeting the board also approved two tax abatement resolutions (roll‑call votes recorded on the transcript), authorized district membership in the Minnesota State High School League for 2025–26, and approved procurement procedures required for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs, as presented by staff.
Board members asked clarifying questions about snow‑removal contracting and when bids would be reissued; staff said transportation and other contracts are historically rebid periodically and that budgets are revised in January and May to reflect October and December child counts.
The board approved the budget amendment and several related administrative items with motions and voice or roll‑call votes; staff said revised budget columns on the printed reports would be updated once the amendment is entered into the district’s budget system.
