Bennington board reviews budget, enrollment growth and second‑high‑school progress

District leaders told the Bennington Public Schools board on Aug. 11 that the current fiscal year will likely end with a roughly $1 million deficit while cash reserves remain at a manageable level for the coming year. Staff projected payroll expenses near $42.6 million (about 79% of the budget), accounts payable near $11.4 million (about 21%), and total expenses of just over $54 million versus revenue just over $53 million. Administrators noted the district had previously absorbed a $5.4 million reduction in state aid and that reserves would decline from roughly 25% to about 23%, but said they felt well positioned entering 25‑26.

On facilities and capacity, staff reported district K–12 enrollment at about 4,427 (preK–12 just over 4,500), a gain of approximately 156 students (+3.65%). Kindergarten enrollment was given as 308. Building‑level data showed Anchor Point Elementary with about 466 K–5 students (plus 77 preschool) and high‑school enrollment at 1,157, an increase of 50 students and approximately 101% of current capacity; staff projected high‑school capacity could reach ~110% without the second high school coming online.

Construction updates reported mass site grading for the second high school about 20–25% complete, tennis courts around 25% complete with weather delays pushing anticipated surfacing from Aug. 15 toward Aug. 20, architectural drawings about 25% complete with 70% expected by early September, and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) work to follow. The Douglas County Planning Commission has given site approval and final city/county steps remain before permits are issued. Staff emphasized the district will continue monitoring capacity and growth trends and noted a multi‑year planning horizon with the second high school expected to relieve high‑school crowding when it opens.