New Oxford board approves routine finance, personnel and property items; treasurer reports $57.45 million

The New Oxford School District board approved a slate of routine committee recommendations at its Nov. 10 meeting, including finance items 1'3, ways and means items 1'4 plus item 5, personnel items 1'8 (and additional items 9'15) and property-and-supplies items 1'6.

Treasurer (speaker 13) told trustees the district holds $57,451,162.66 across six accounts, a figure the board approved as presented in the treasurer's report (SEG 605'SEG 633). "In our 6 accounts, we have a grand total of $57,451,162.66," the treasurer stated (SEG 608). The report was accepted by roll-call vote.

Earlier in the meeting, board members and administrators discussed the upcoming budget process and a public request for a budget based on a 0% tax increase. Superintendent Dr. Perry and staff said the district will again present four budget scenarios (0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of the index, and a full 100% scenario was also mentioned in prior discussions) and that a 0% path would likely require board guidance on possible cuts to personnel or programs or use of fund balance (SEG 088'SEG 131). Administrators noted bond proceeds invested by the district were earning approximately 4% interest and that realized interest can offset some project costs; staff cited an example of approximately $500,000 available to help offset other costs (SEG 156'SEG 164).

Board members voted on committee recommendations by roll-call; several individual motions were moved and seconded from committee chairs and carried after voice and roll-call votes (SEG 635'SEG 771). The board also approved minutes from recent meetings and heard standard superintendent and assistant superintendent reports, student council updates and honors and recognition items.

What happens next: the budget review process will restart in early 2026 with staff presenting multiple scenarios and seeking board guidance before recommendations are finalized.