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Board approves 2025-26 budget priorities, adds classroom positions and keeps LOB at 31%
Summary
The Board approved the district’s fiscal priorities for 2025-26, including added classroom positions, a 4.62% compensation package and the plan to notify the county clerk of the tax-rate maximum. The district reported a net funding increase and targeted staffing additions from the needs assessment.
Pam Kelly, the district’s director of finance, told the board May 27 that Derby Public Schools expects a net increase of approximately $2,751,000 in funding for the coming fiscal year after accounting for a $205,000 decrease tied to the elimination of some reimbursements. Using that net increase, the district built a budget that funds new positions and a compensation package of 4.62 percent for eligible staff.
Kelly said the budget assumes the local option budget (LOB) remains at 31 percent, capital outlay at 8 mills, and a special assessment levy reduced by 50 percent. The board approved the recommendation to notify the county clerk of the district’s tax rate maximum; the vote passed unanimously (7-0).
Board members and administrators highlighted a list of new positions added from the needs assessment and budget priorities that will affect classroom supports and student services next year. The packet and board discussion named the following additions (selected highlights): a special-education teacher, a second assistant principal at Derby High School, a director of teaching and learning, two elementary counselors, two math specialists, additional paraprofessional hours in select locations, increased sub pay, and target funds for teacher excellence grants and mentor-mentee stipends. The district also budgeted funds for an SRO contract and other operational needs.
Kelly said the district implemented more than $200,000 in budget efficiencies and continues to look for additional reductions in nonessential spending. She will present more detailed budget work at a KSD budget workshop and build the 2025-26 budget once the new budgeting software is available.
Motions to approve the budget recommendations and related timeline were seconded and approved; the board’s vote to pass the motion was recorded as 7-0.
Board members emphasized the link between budget decisions and classroom outcomes, and several encouraged public participation in the budget process via the district budget committee.
Votes at a glance: Motion to approve recommended budget priorities and to notify the county clerk of the district tax-rate maximum — outcome: approved (7-0).
