Kennett releases proposed $107.7 million 2025–26 budget; board sets 4% tax‑increase cap and flags potential revenue losses

The Kennett Consolidated School District presented a proposed final general operating budget of $107,695,765 for fiscal year 2025–26 at the April 14 board meeting, with administrators and the finance committee describing a tight revenue outlook driven by tax assessment appeals, a pending municipal earned income tax change and uncertainty over state and federal aid.

Finance committee member Mr. Finnegan summarized the potential revenue shortfalls and the planned response. Key figures included: a proposed final budget of $107,695,765 (a 4% increase over the current year), an expected average annual increase of $246 to the average household, and a total revenue reduction the presentation listed at $453,605 driven primarily by two tax assessment appeals ($323,570) and an expected loss tied to East Marlborough Township enacting an earned income tax (estimated $208,000). The governor’s proposed state budget shortfall reduced state Basic Education Subsidy expectations by $96,521, the administration said.

On the expenditure side, the budget proposes adding two special‑education case manager positions and funding a credit‑recovery program and other targeted items. The presentation also noted a conditional appropriation from fund balance of $60,000 for a recovery program pending further decisions, and indicated medical insurance renewal produced a modest projected decrease of $39,736 because of the district’s self‑funding structure.

The finance update acknowledged continuing uncertainty: federal funding levels remain unclear and could change. Mr. Finnegan told the board the district remains on solid fiscal footing despite the pressures, but that the administration will return with a finalized budget for board approval on June 9.

Separately at the meeting the board approved a formal commitment of general fund balance in the amount of $653,858 to smooth debt‑service costs related to the district’s financing for the two new elementary schools; district financial staff said that earlier the board had committed $500,000 and this action completes the $653,858 total for 2025–26.

What happens next: The proposed final budget was released for public review. The administration said it will continue to study savings and alternative funding and present a final balanced budget for board adoption in June. Board members asked administration to explore whether a full‑time Spanish‑language translator could be added to the staffing plan and directed staff to review options (reallocation, reserve funding, or later hiring if attrition creates capacity).