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Clayton board approves balanced $80.4 million budget; board hears details on reserves and tornado damage
Summary
The Board of Education approved a balanced $80.4 million revenue budget for fiscal 2025–26 and heard staff outline projected expenditures, fund balances, capital priorities and insurance impacts following a recent tornado.
The Board of Education of the Clayton School District approved the proposed 2025–26 budget on Monday, adopting a balanced spending plan the district described as consistent with its strategic goals.
John (staff member) presented the proposed budget, which projects revenues of $80,400,000 and expenditures of $78,700,000. The presentation described the budget as balanced and tied to district priorities in safety, curriculum and student well‑being. The board then voted to approve the budget; no roll call names were recorded on the motion.
Why it matters: The budget presentation noted an expected 4% growth in revenue tied in part to reassessment year increases in property tax revenue and strong interest earnings. The district projects fund balances to grow to roughly $50,700,000 by June 30, but noted cash‑flow swings during the fiscal year, with a low point typically in November.
Capital and insurance details: The capital plan highlighted $675,000 for technology improvements, $500,000 for security camera upgrades (some already approved and in progress), allocations for bus replacements, architectural services, pavement and roofing repairs, and a secure vestibule at the high school’s primary entrance.
Board members pressed district staff about insurance and the recent tornado. Staff said damage across buildings was “fairly minor,” citing broken windows and other localized repairs at multiple schools and confirming the district will file claims with its Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) pool. The district reported a low per‑incident deductible of $2,500 and said MUSIC’s recent heavy claim years are one factor behind an approximate 9% increase in property‑casualty costs budgeted for next year.
On benefits, the district reported it remains self‑insured for employee medical claims, with premiums of roughly $6 million annually and about four months of claim reserves; staff said good recent claim experience is expected to help hold benefit costs steady.
Board discussion also covered equity of operational funding across schools, special education partnerships with SSD, and the Clayton Education Foundation’s typical annual teacher‑grant support of about $30,000–$50,000. Board members asked whether the budget specifically addresses high‑need students; staff said the budget builds in flexibility to address student‑specific needs when they arise.
The board approved the budget motion without recorded opposition.
