Budget development update: reserves, staffing requests and major capital projects reviewed

The Newburgh City School District presented a multi-part budget and capital-projects update at its Feb. 11 board meeting, outlining projected revenue, reserve use, staffing requests and next steps for several construction projects.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance Ms. Roaring said the district used a “true rollover” approach for next year’s budget and is currently projecting an increase in costs of about $9.8 million driven by contractual salaries, retirement and transportation. The revenue projection shown to the board assumes no tax-levy increase and includes a planned use of fund balance of $3.7 million. Roaring said the district expects higher excess-cost aid in the coming year based on recent actuals and that the district’s mandated Contract for Excellence set‑aside will be roughly $22 million; she emphasized those funds must be used for allowable, non‑supplanting expenditures.

Nut Graf: The presentation combined immediate operational budget pressures with capital spending underway. Administrators asked the board to consider targeted staff additions in human resources, transportation and operations to support district functions as the budget is finalized.

Human Resources: Interim HR lead requested three managerial hires (a director of HR and an HR generalist) and a part‑time clerk to modernize HR operations, improve data integrity and reduce paper-processing risk. The HR cost estimate provided included salaries, payroll taxes, benefits and a $10,000 contingency for one-off reporting support.

Transportation and operations: The transportation office requested a second bilingual senior typist to handle high call and email volume; operations (facilities) requested positions including a turf manager, an elevator/alarm systems technician and funding to replace three elementary-school playgrounds following an insurance carrier recommendation.

Capital projects and facilities: Construction partners gave progress reports. The New CTE building (construction began Sept. 2024) remains on an accelerated schedule with a projected substantial completion July 31, 2026, allowing time for move-in before a February academic start. The locker-room renovation bid is scheduled to open Feb. 20 with anticipated award in April and work through winter/spring with separation from occupied areas. The district’s Proposition 5 HVAC/AC upgrade project (Gidney, Temple Hill, Meadow Hill) is under way; the board awarded the mechanical contract and the work is slated for phased construction with substantial completion targeted for August 2025.

Ending: District staff said they will continue to refine revenue assumptions, finalize grant‑position decisions and return to the board with a proposed budget in coming meetings. Board members asked for more detail on high-school data, transportation cost drivers and grant position rolloffs before finalizing the budget.