Wisconsin Rapids board amends budget and approves playground repairs, survey as grant cuts and insurance costs pinch district

On July 14, 2025, the Wisconsin Rapids School District Board of Education approved a series of budget adjustments and operational actions as administrators warned that recent federal grant reductions and higher benefit costs are squeezing the district’s finances.

Administrators presented recommended amendments to the 2024–25 district budget and discussed the draft 2025–26 operating budget before the board approved the budget amendments. Superintendent Ron Rasmussen and finance staff outlined revenue changes tied to the recently enacted state budget and uncertain federal grant streams, including delayed Title I allocations and cuts to several competitive grants. Troy, the district’s legislative/budget presenter, summarized state actions and said the state budget increases special‑education reimbursement rates over the biennium while also making technical changes that reduce some expected aid.

Roxanne Feltz, director of teaching and learning, flagged immediate program impacts from federal grant cuts and timing delays. “Roxy will continue to provide updates to the school board on funding and program cuts which we appreciate,” she said, noting that the Future Forward literacy grant and a school‑based mental‑health grant were cut and that Title I application timing has shifted. Administrators told the board they are currently projecting a roughly $742,000 deficit that could widen if federal funds don’t arrive.

The board approved two operations items discussed by the Business Services Committee: estimated annual insurance premiums of $526,945 for the 2025–26 year and the purchase of three replacement minivans (not to exceed $120,000 total) from the transportation budget. Business Services staff said the district has seen recent spikes in health‑insurance claims (one recent month showed roughly 170% usage), a factor that may increase renewal rates.

On facilities, the board approved the low bid from Red Run Property Services to repair hazardous asphalt at Mead Elementary’s playground at a cost of $242,100 funded from Fund 46. A presenter described visible cracking and said repairs are needed to reduce the risk of staff or student injury; a board member moved the motion and the board approved it by roll call.

The board also approved a $9,700 community school‑perception survey to inform planning for a possible operating referendum and capital priorities (mailing costs included). Administration said the survey would reach all households and aim to gauge support for both operating and capital needs, including East Junior High and elementary building priorities.

On personnel and compensation, the Personnel Services Committee recommended and the board approved listed professional and support staff appointments and resignations, a 2.95% wage increase effective July 1 for several employee groups, a new hourly wage scale effective 07/01/2025, and a 4% co‑curricular stipend for a Lincoln High coffee‑shop supervisor. The board tabled a proposed dual‑enrollment stipend pending further funding details.

Administrators described a mix of one‑time revenues and structural pressures for 2025–26: increased special‑education reimbursement (budgeted at about 41% for planning, with state estimates showing higher possible reimbursement), a loss of $402,000 in personal‑property aid now included in the revenue‑limit calculation, an estimated $231,000 net impact from open‑enrollment changes, a WRS employer rate increase that raises costs about $88,000, and uncertain federal Title I/II/III/IV and school‑based mental‑health funds. The district reported June receipts of $2,497,510.20 and disbursements of $4,718,747.87 for recordkeeping.

The board also authorized the superintendent to amend or terminate the district’s lease of space at East Junior High with CESA 5, after district staff said CESA 5 is exploring consolidation of alternative‑education sites that could reduce lease revenue (an estimate of about $27,000 was provided).

The meeting closed after calendar items were reviewed and upcoming committee and board dates were confirmed.

The board’s immediate next steps, as stated in the meeting, are to continue refining the 2025–26 budget as DPI finalizes aid figures and as administration identifies program reductions and other adjustments to close the remaining gap.