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ROCORI board approves balanced $34.1 million budget, asks review of community‑education programs
Summary
The ROCORI Public School District board approved a $34.1 million balanced general fund budget and accepted a staff review of its community‑education and early‑childhood programs, including recommendations on scholarships, midday transportation and a possible levy increase for school‑age care.
The ROCORI Public School District board voted to approve a balanced general fund budget of about $34.1 million and accepted a staff report with recommendations to review community‑education and early‑childhood operations.
Board members approved the budget after a presentation by Jason (from CISO), who told the board the district’s staffing stands at about 323.7 full‑time equivalents (up roughly 3.5 positions) and estimated enrollment for next year at about 2,003.76. Revenues and expenses in the proposed general fund were both listed at about $34,100,000, producing a projected increase in fund balance of roughly $46,000.
The board also received a multi‑part review of community education and early‑childhood operations. Staff recommended a short list of “do now” actions including a closer review of scholarships in the Little Spartans program; examining the midday transportation subsidy for pre‑K students (staff said the district currently pays about $13,000 a year for that service); using the positive fund balance in kid‑care programs to adjust indirect charges; and auditing the Spartan Spot tax levy for students with disabilities with an eye to possibly increasing the levy in the fall. Staff said they do not recommend raising daily tuition rates now while a newly hired early‑childhood director starts in July; any tuition changes would be considered later and phased in over time.
Board members asked for follow up data before taking rate or levy action. One board member asked whether rising transportation costs reflected more riders or higher per‑ride costs; staff said they will pull the underlying data and report back. The packet attached to the budget included the community‑education review the board requested as part of the budget process; staff said additional recommendations will come after the new director reviews the program.
The board approved the budget and the attached community‑education material in a single motion. Staff said other non‑general funds listed in the budget book showed no major changes from earlier drafts and that the approvals will allow the district to open the fiscal year on July 1.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve consent agenda: passed (voice vote). Motion made by Lynn; second by Robin. - Payment to Cold Spring Bakery (checks 2581 for $262.50 and 117172 for $304.80; total $567.30 listed in packet text but clerk announced total payment of $367.30): passed. Motion by Jenna; second by Kayla. - Motion to approve the 2025–26 budget as presented (general fund ~ $34.1M, projected fund balance increase ~$46,000): passed. Motion by Robin; second by Lynn.
Context and next steps Staff will return to the board with more detailed recommendations on community‑education rates and levy options later this year, after the new early‑childhood director begins. Board members asked staff to provide supporting data on transportation costs, scholarship usage, and levy calculations before any formal rate or levy decisions are proposed.
Ending The approved budget and attached community‑education review position the district to open the fiscal year July 1; staff said they will continue tracking enrollment and bring back any recommended changes in the fall.
