Wilson School District board approves proposed $154.8 million 2025–26 budget, sets proposed millage at 31.8 mills

The Wilson School District Board of School Directors on May 5 approved a proposed final 2025–26 general fund budget of $154,800,000 and set a proposed real estate millage of 31.8 mills, placing the budget on public display before a scheduled final adoption vote on June 9.

The budget presentation, led by Finance Director Ms. Schlossman and co-presented by Superintendent Dr. Trickett, showed total budgeted revenues of $145,900,000 and total expenditures (including a $3,000,000 budgetary reserve) of $154,800,000, leaving a gap to be covered by use of fund balance and committed reserves. The district plans to use about $5,900,000 of fund balance (including $400,000 in equipment-committed fund balance and $5,500,000 in committed PESERS-related reserves) to balance the plan.

Why it matters: The budget funds staff, services and two construction phase-in allocations while maintaining a reserve and responding to rising costs for benefits and special education. Ms. Schlossman told the board the district intentionally included a $3,000,000 budgetary reserve — an increase from long-standing practice — to cover vacancy assumptions and potential real estate tax appeal refunds.

Board and staff outlined key figures and drivers. The budget contains a 3.49% salary increase negotiated in the Wilson Education Association contract and adds 21 full-time-equivalent teaching and learning positions to respond to enrollment growth. The district reported an enrollment near 6,531 students and projected growth of roughly 280 students over five years. Special education now represents about 21% of enrollment, staff said.

Benefits and debt pressures were cited as major cost drivers. The district’s state pension (PESERS) rate is budgeted at 34% and health insurance through the county consortium was forecasted to rise about 9.9% for 2025–26. The budget also assumes an annualized debt service of roughly $11.4 million (about 8% of the budget) after planning to issue additional debt to finance construction; administrators said raising the annual debt service slightly could reduce overall interest costs and shorten the repayment window.

The budget includes $1.9 million in the phase‑in for the district’s Phase 2 construction work and a $400,000 addition to that phase in 2025–26. Dr. Trickett said the board will separate bid packages for Southern Middle School and Lincoln Park projects and that Crabtree, Warbar & Associates will be authorized to issue bids so the district can return to the board with recommended contract awards. "The board will have an opportunity after the bids have been received... to have another vote," Dr. Trickett said.

State and local revenue context: The budget assumes full implementation of Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget figures for basic and special education subsidies and includes a projected increase in state gaming funds; administrators said the district’s allocation of gaming funds rose by about $300,000 and the homestead/farmstead relief amount will be $290 per eligible property. Administrators also noted uncertainty around cyber charter funding; the board earlier adopted a resolution calling for a flat $10,000 tuition rate for cyber charters at the state level to reduce local costs.

Board action and next steps: The board approved the proposed final budget, 6–0. The approved proposal will be posted in PDE format on the district website for public inspection; administrators said adjustments could be made before the board’s June 9 final-adoption vote if new information (state budget decisions, tax-base appeals) warrants changes.

Budget highlights and clarifications posted by staff: - Revenues (proposed): $145,900,000. - Expenditures (excluding budgetary reserve): $151,800,000; total budget including reserve: $154,800,000. - Fund balance applied: $5,900,000 (comprised of $400,000 equipment‑committed and $5,500,000 PESERS‑committed balances). - Proposed budgetary reserve: $3,000,000 (about 2% of operating budget). - Projected personnel cost: $116,900,000; 69% instructional, 29% support services, 2% student activities/community services. - Salary increase included: 3.49%; 21 new teaching-and-learning FTEs added for 2025–26.

What the vote covered: The motion approved three linked items (agenda items 11.1–11.3), including the proposed final general-fund budget, a Skyward Finance migration proposal (see separate agenda item details), and a consulting agreement with Mile2 Consulting to pursue increased Medicaid/ACCESS reimbursements. The combined motion passed 6–0 (yes: Dr. Kennedy; Mr. McCray; Mr. McCree; Mr. Schneider; Mr. Hart; Mrs. Denny).

Board members said the administration will continue to monitor enrollment, state funding decisions and pending commercial tax appeals and will update the finance committee and the board if adjustments are recommended before final adoption on June 9.

Ending: With the proposed final budget approved for public display, the district will post detailed PDE-format documents on its website and continue committee review; the June 9 meeting remains the scheduled final adoption date for the 2025–26 budget.