Board approves revised FY25 budget, cell‑phone policy, move to even‑year elections and multiple grants and contracts

The Richfield School Board on March 3 approved a set of financial, policy and contracting actions, including a revised fiscal‑year 2025 budget, a new student cell‑phone policy and administrative guideline, a transition plan to move board elections to even years, acceptance of a Safe Routes to School Boost grant and award of a construction contract for high‑school toilet‑room renovations.

What the board approved

- Revised fiscal‑year 2025 budget: The board approved a revised FY25 budget with total revised general‑fund revenue and expenditures shown in the packet. Finance presenter Craig Holgie (presenter) summarized that revised revenue across funds increased by about $5.3 million from the adopted budget, driven by enrollment adjustments and higher state special‑education aid; projected expenditure increases included staff salary/benefit adjustments and higher special‑education transportation and tuition costs. Director Balson moved to accept the revised budget and Director Liss seconded; the motion passed by voice vote with the chair voting aye.

- Policy 5.50 (Student cell phones) and administrative guideline 5.50.1: After prior readings and stakeholder review, the board voted to adopt policy 5.50 and accompanying administrative guidelines. Director Liss moved for passage; Director Paulus seconded. The chair called for a voice vote; the motion carried and the chair…