Harper Creek approves revised 2024–25 budget as leaders plan to tighten spending

Harper Creek Board of Education on Feb. 10 approved a revised 2024–25 budget that reflects lower-than-expected state revenue and higher operating costs, leaving the district to work from a projected deficit.

District finance director Ginger Obermeyer told the board the budget assumptions used when the fiscal year began did not materialize: the state foundation allowance remained at $9,608 rather than increasing as anticipated, and the district’s spring pupil count was 14 FTE lower than projected. Obermeyer said those two items accounted for major changes and contributed to a larger gap in expected revenue.

Obermeyer and Superintendent Ridgeway described other pressures, including maintenance and operations cost increases. Obermeyer cited increases she has tracked so far: an estimated 23% rise in electricity, 24% in tools and supplies, and 13% for building and grounds maintenance relative to the prior year’s trends. Ridgeway said the district would “tighten our belts” while working from the revision and expects to present a final budget in June.

Obermeyer summarized the board action: the administration is asking the board to approve the revised budget “at the $1,900,000 deficit to work from,” acknowledging the district’s fund balance accumulated over the past decade will be drawn on if needed. Ridgeway and board members emphasized conservative forecasting and said they expect some revenue-side improvement between now and the final budget.

Board members voted 6–0 to approve the revised budget. The board directed administration to monitor trends monthly and report updates to the board as figures become clearer.