Forest Hills releases community budget guide; board previews grants, capital projects and bond refinancing

Forest Hills Public Schools presented an inaugural community budget guide at the board meeting and outlined the district’s near-term fiscal priorities, including grant-funded curricular purchases, capital projects and a bond refunding.

A staff presenter described the guide as an annual public resource that explains how the district is funded and how it spends money. The guide includes messages from the superintendent and board officers, budget basics, revenue sources (state, federal and local partners), audited 2022–23 figures and a glossary of accounting terms the district said are sometimes opaque to the public.

Officials said several grants have reduced pressure on the general fund. They highlighted a Section 35j literacy grant that provides funds to purchase K–5 literacy materials and requires professional development for K–5 teachers; the district also listed other grant awards used for instructional materials and safety. The presenter noted the district will post the guide online and solicit community feedback to shape future issues.

On capital work, staff reported construction status on recent bond projects: one middle school project is complete in its original scope, Avisa is approximately 50% complete, Pine Ridge about 40% complete, and Eastern Middle School entrance construction will require a parking lot closure in July–August. Athletic field bids are out and the aquatic center and Central High School are in design phases, officials said.

Officials also said the district executed a bond refunding of a 2014 bond series after monitoring market conditions; that refunding shifts payoff to 2025 and yields an estimated gross savings of about $890,000 to taxpayers. District staff said final sale documents were expected next month.

The board packet included multiple proposed purchases funded by a mix of formula funds, capital project funds and grants: curricular materials (total amounts cited), Avisa cafeteria furniture ($37,560 recommended), a $7,000 increase to a previously approved $2,090,000 furniture package (new total $2,016,905) to cover a missed installation quote, Orchard View media center shelving ($36,300), waste/recycling contract recommendation ($212,053 over three years), AV and interactive-panel purchases (recommended not to exceed $465,000) and surveillance camera equipment under a Section 97 safety grant ($248,100).