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Board adopts 2025–26 appropriations amid state funding uncertainty; meal prices may rise if state aid lapses
Summary
CFO Rachel presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget showing a projected $3.5 million drop in revenue tied to one‑time categorical dollars; the board adopted the General Appropriations Act and 2024–25 budget amendments while staff warned meal prices could increase if the state does not renew universal free‑meal funding.
Hartland Consolidated Schools adopted its 2025–26 General Appropriations Act and a set of 2024–25 budget amendments as the district prepares for uncertainty in state funding. Chief Financial Officer Rachel told the board that roughly 80% of the district’s revenue comes from the state and that an expected $3.5 million reduction in recurring revenue is driven by the loss of one‑time categorical funds.
Rachel said fund‑balance projections show the district in ‘‘very good shape’’ for 2025 but trending downward without the one‑time dollars that buoyed recent years. “We’re projecting a $3.5 million decrease in revenues for ’25–’26, and the state has not yet adopted a budget,” she told trustees, urging caution and noting required budget adoption by July 1.
The board approved the 2024–25 budget amendments and the 2025–26 appropriations resolution by roll call; trustees discussed the possibility of a future amendment to add two additional school safety officers (SSOs) but deferred that item to budget‑year planning.
Rachel also warned that Michigan’s temporary program that made meals free to all students may not be renewed when the state budget is finalized. If state support ends, the district would revert to standard free/reduced eligibility and would need to set paid meal prices. Early modeling—pending USDA pricing tools—suggested increases in the neighborhood of $0.50 to $0.75 per meal for paid students. “Until the state finalizes the budget and USDA releases the pricing tool we can’t commit to a final amount,” Rachel cautioned; meals remain subsidized at least through the state fiscal year end (Sept. 30).
Action items passed at the meeting included approval of parent/student handbook changes, budget amendments for 2024–25, and the General Appropriations Act for 2025–26. The board asked administration to return with updated budget modeling if the state budget outcome changes.
Outcome: General Appropriations Act resolution and budget amendments approved; staff will model potential SSO additions and report back.
