Board approves April amendment to 2024–25 general fund budget; deficit reduced to $2.4 million

The Northville Public Schools Board of Education approved the April amendment to the 2024–25 general fund budget, reducing a previously projected deficit and adjusting revenue and expenditure assumptions.

Treasurer Stewart moved and Trustee Mauer seconded motion 100 to approve the budget amendment; the motion passed by voice vote.

District finance staff summarized key changes. Major takeaways cited during the presentation included: - The district’s earlier budget had projected a roughly $4.3 million general-fund deficit; the amended budget reduces that projected deficit to about $2.4 million. - Federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds have provided significant one-time revenue in prior years; the presenter reported roughly $12.2 million in ESSER funds spread over four years and noted those funds largely phase out next fiscal year. - State-level changes affected the foundation allowance; the state held the foundation flat rather than increasing it, so the district adjusted assumptions accordingly. - Enrollment changes produced a net increase in student count relative to the original budget: the district reported an increase of about 38 students compared with the prior year and 91 more students than originally budgeted. - Some expenditures were adjusted downward where state pass-through items changed (for example, UAL/pension pass-through items) and upward where one-time or categorical grants increased (for example mental-health supports under grant 31AAA), utilities forecasts were raised, and textbook purchases were reflected in capital/supplies.

The finance presentation included itemized lines and charts showing revenues, categorical grants, ESSER expenditures (noting most ESSER spending was for wages, benefits and purchased services), and a multi-year comparison of audited actuals and budget projections. Staff said another amendment will follow in June as state budget details and final enrollment figures become firmer.

Board members thanked finance staff for the detailed presentation and emphasized the district’s priority of keeping the largest share of funding directed to student instruction (staff noted about 74% of the budget supports instruction-related salaries and benefits).

The board approved the April amendment; staff will publish the amended budget on the district’s transparency site and return with the final amendment in June if further adjustments are needed.