Beloit School District board approves 2025 preliminary budget, 5-1

The School District of Beloit Board of Education approved the district's 2025'26 preliminary budget at a special board meeting after a presentation by district staff, approving a balanced general fund and special education budget totaling $107,415,303.

The preliminary budget vote was made on a motion to "approve the 2025, 2026 preliminary budget as presented," moved by Brian Nichols and seconded by Megan Miller; the motion carried 5-1. The board also approved the meeting agenda and adjourned the special meeting after the budget vote.

The budget presentation, led by Doctor Garrison and Mrs. Elwood of the district's business office, highlighted the district's two principal operating funds (fund 10 and special education fund 27), an estimated total between those funds of $107,415,303, and key budget drivers including declining enrollment, rising utilities and transportation costs, and staffing adjustments. "I believe we've presented a very strong budget," Doctor Garrison said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the preliminary budget sets the district's spending and revenue assumptions for the year and establishes the timeline for final calculations and the tax levy. District staff said the document gives the district "permission to keep going" while specific revenue and enrollment figures are finalized in September and…