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School board approves $3.12 million in 2024–25 budget amendments; commits $2 million for compensation plan
Summary
The West Allis–West Milwaukee School District board approved budget amendments reflecting an estimated $3.12 million surplus and voted to place $2 million of committed fund balance toward implementing a new compensation model and one-time staff loyalty payments.
The West Allis–West Milwaukee School District Board of Education voted May 19 to approve 2024–25 budget amendments that reflect an updated projected surplus of about $3,120,000 and to commit $2,000,000 of fund balance toward implementation of a district compensation model.
In a presentation to the board, Mr. Norris (district staff member) said, “Tonight is the night for budget amendments,” and described the district’s April estimate showing a roughly $3.1 million surplus driven by higher-than-expected revenues (investment earnings, open-enrollment retention, Medicaid claims and TID returns) and lower expenses (vacant positions, transportation and technology savings). He recommended splitting the surplus across three priorities: one-time loyalty/bonus payments for staff, capital set-aside for long-term needs (fund 46), and start-up funding for a compensation model.
The board approved a recommendation to direct about $1.5 million toward one-time staff loyalty payments (the presentation showed a rough allocation that would provide roughly $2,000 to licensed teachers in the plan), to place roughly $1,350,000 into fund 46 for capital needs, and to commit $2,000,000 of fund balance to begin implementing the compensation model. Mr. Norris explained the committed $2,000,000 would create a runway for multi-year compensation changes while OPEB-related obligations decline.
Board members discussed timing and whether to vote the two related items together. The motions were moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. The board also approved the technical 2024–25 budget amendments needed to finalize purchases before the fiscal year end.
The presentation noted several clarifying details: the district’s approved annual budget is roughly $115.5 million; the April projection reflected payroll through the last payroll in April; about 40% of the surplus reflected expenses from unfilled positions; and the recommended committed fund balance action can be reversed by a future board vote if priorities change.
Next steps: the district will finalize payroll and payments (10‑ and 12‑month staff payout timing was described), place the agreed funds into fund 46 (restricted for capital), and begin the work of implementing the compensation model with the administration and committees overseeing compensation design.
