D11 board adopts 2025–26 budget with amendment removing union-president FTEs

The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education approved the district—s fiscal-year 2025''26 budget on June 4 after amending the appropriation to remove full-time equivalents (FTEs) allocated for the CSCA president and the ESP president.

The amendment was offered by Director Trisha Nelson during debate on Resolution 2025-36, the appropriation resolution. Director Hayfley had moved the original budget adoption and Nelson moved to amend the proposed appropriation to remove the two FTEs; the board then voted to adopt the budget as amended. Director Nelson said the change reflected concerns about transparency and timing around staffing and bargaining arrangements.

Why it matters: the adopted budget moves the district—s spending plan into effect for the school year starting July 1 and implements personnel and program funding decisions that will shape staffing and classroom allocations. Board and administration emphasized that the package included a roughly 10% overall compensation increase for staff, a goal repeated by district leaders during the meeting.

Board actions tied to the budget were taken in several votes across the meeting. Before final adoption of the appropriation, the board approved related fiscal items that are typical at this time of year: a resolution authorizing use of part of beginning fund balance, a designation of fund balance resolution, and an interfund borrowing measure. The board discussed the practical effect of the change to the budget—s staffing lines and asked administration to help transition affected employees to other roles where applicable.

Superintendent remarks and board discussion: Superintendent (referred to in the meeting as the superintendent) and Deputy Superintendent Comfort described the budget as a shift toward site-based, student-centered budgeting, with dollars attached to schools and more authority devolved to principals. The superintendent framed the budget as an effort to direct resources "as close to students as possible." In public remarks around the vote, board members expressed both pride in the compensation increase and concern about the timing and transparency of some staffing items.

What the board recorded: the appropriation resolution was adopted as amended on the record; the meeting minutes indicate the board completed the required roll calls for each motion. The board also adopted the other fiscal resolutions presented on June 4 (use of beginning fund balance, designation of fund balance, and interfund borrowing) as part of the year-end budget work.

Next steps: The budget takes effect for FY 2025''26 beginning July 1. Administration will implement the financial plan and follow up where the board requested additional operational details, including the transition for affected positions and clarifying communications to staff about payroll and deductions in the coming pay periods.