Salem School District proposes 5.4% general fund increase in FY2627 budget, cites CBAs and special-education costs

Superintendent Mara Palmer presented the Salem School District27s proposed fiscal 202627 operating budget at a public Saturday meeting, saying the proposal is both "fiscally responsible" and "forward thinking." The presentation shows a 5.4% increase in the general fund and a 5.3% increase across all funds compared with the current year.

The budget incorporates two collective bargaining agreements that were not in last year27s proposal27s baseline: the SCA (the district27s largest employee association) and the custodial group, officials said. "Please remember when you're looking at salaries, that includes 2 CBAs that were worn articles last year, so they were not in the budget proposal," Palmer said.

District staff identified several main cost drivers: salaries and benefits tied to the newly included CBAs; increased special-education services, including out-of-district tuition and transportation; and a package of technology and facilities maintenance…