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District reports small enrollment dips, $1.2M estimated year-end balance and rising out-of-district costs
Summary
Superintendent and finance staff told the board enrollment is down by six students districtwide since last month; the district estimates roughly $1.2 million (about 1.4% of the budget) remaining at year-end and flagged higher out-of-district tuition and potential snow-removal deficits.
The Salem School Board reviewed enrollment and monthly financial reports that showed modest enrollment declines, higher-than-expected out-of-district tuition costs and an estimated year-end fund balance of roughly $1.2 million.
Superintendent Mara Palmer said elementary enrollment was down three students (Barron -1, Lancaster -2) and Woodbury was down three, while the high school held steady; preschool enrollment rose by two to 25. Palmer also said continuing-education dual enrollment jumped from 23 to 38 with the start of semester two and adult diploma classes.
Director of Finance Darlene Mann and Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations Debbie Payne reviewed the financial report. Payne highlighted adjustments in substitute lines and encumbrances for course and workshop reimbursements. On expenditures, the district estimates "just a little over $1,200,000" remaining at the end of the fiscal year, representing about 1.4% of the budget; revenue is tracking slightly higher than anticipated, with an estimated $250,000 more than forecast in October due largely to CTE state funding and related receipts.
Payne warned that snow-removal costs are likely to exceed the current contract estimate after multiple heavy storms; "it's unlikely. We will probably go into a deficit on this account," she said, noting salt, sand and extra equipment have increased usage and cost. Payne also said a recent boiler repair required replacing sections of piping and that schools had backup boilers.
Board member Bernie Campbell asked whether federal grants were at risk from actions in Washington; Payne said the current year's grants were not at risk. The nutrition services fund reported better performance than the prior year — income about $50,000 higher and expenses about $130,000 lower — and the cafeteria fund was in the black for January.
No budget votes were taken; administrators said they will continue monthly monitoring and report further updates as encumbrances and invoices settle.
