Excelsior Springs board approves FY26 budget, salary schedules and step increases; one abstention on final budget vote

The Excelsior Springs School District Board of Education approved the district's fiscal year 2025-26 budget, the 2025-26 salary schedules and a district-wide step increase, after extended discussion about revenue forecasts, state appropriations and district reserves.

Board members voted 6-0 to approve the salary schedules and the salary step increase. The FY26 budget was adopted with a 5-0 vote and one abstention.

District staff highlighted several changes incorporated into the proposed budget: an adjustment to comply with Missouri's updated minimum-wage law (classifed pay minimums moved from $14 to $15 per hour where applicable), an unplanned capital expenditure for a high-school chiller replacement estimated at $220,000 (the district said insurance will cover the cost after review), and a recommendation to apply a step increase to all staff as a scheduled raise.

Finance presenters also described larger fiscal trends driving the budget conversation: declining weighted average daily attendance, rising costs for utilities and contracted services, and reduced investment income compared with prior years because the district no longer holds the same large investable principal. Officials said these factors combine to produce a projected operating deficit in the near term and that the board's reserves would be used to smooth near-term gaps.

In discussion, staff provided approximate reserve targets and scenario context: presenters described a low-end reserves estimate near $7 million and a preferable position near $9 million; they reiterated the district's multi-year view and the need to monitor state revenue actions (including any governor's withholding) that could further affect the budget. A board member noted a projected shortfall figure discussed in the meeting of roughly $2.4 million and said that while the district can absorb short-term deficits from reserves, persistent trends would require reductions or other changes in later years.

The board approved three separate motions as part of the fiscal package: - Approval of the 2025-26 salary schedules (voice vote 6-0). - Approval of a 2025-26 district-wide step increase for all staff (voice vote 6-0). - Approval of the fiscal year 2025-26 budget as presented (roll-call/voice; vote 5 in favor, 0 no, 1 abstain).

One board member announced an abstention on the final budget vote, citing unresolved questions about assessed valuation trends and debt scheduling that the member said they still wanted clarified; the meeting record shows the budget carried with one abstention.

Ending: The budget and personnel items take effect for FY26. District staff said they will prepare mid-year budget revisions as state and county revenue and assessed-valuation numbers become final and will schedule follow-up briefings with financial advisors to review debt scheduling and long-term forecasts.