Kirkwood R‑VII CFO outlines 2025–26 budget increases, recommends early bond payoff option

Chief Financial Officer Mike Grama presented the Kirkwood School District's proposed 2025–26 budget at a Board of Education meeting, describing revenue and expenditure projections for the operating fund and a range of nonoperating funds and asking the board to approve the revenue budget at an upcoming meeting.

Grama said operating revenues for the coming year are $98,300,000, an increase of $4,100,000 (about 4%). Projected operating expenditures are about $93.9 million, an increase of roughly $2.6 million (2.8 percent). Grama said the presentation includes additions tied to the district's strategic plan, including two additional custodians, $100,000 for math coaching, $70,000 for strategic plan consulting, $100,000 for band instruments, a $175,000 natatorium timing system and paid parental leave-related substitute coverage (about $294,000 for teacher substitutes and $75,000 for support/administrative substitutes).

Grama noted a single change since the board last met: an added $255,000 on one operating line. He summarized that the line now includes $1,000,000 for Kirkwood High School roofing and exterior lighting plus $1,500,000 that is unallocated to give flexibility to the incoming administration. "Please just ask any questions that you have, with the budget," he told board members during the presentation.

Why it matters: Grama said the district maintains a…