River Falls board approves preliminary $80 million 2025–26 budget for public hearing; annual meeting set for Sept. 22

The River Falls School District board voted to approve a preliminary 2025–26 budget for publication and inclusion in materials for the district’s annual meeting and budget hearing.

Lynette, the district finance presenter, told the board the document follows Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction format and that the budget package shows a roughly $2,200,000 increase in local tax revenue linked to the district’s operating referendum and other local sources. She said an increase of $325 per pupil in the state budget is reflected in the document but noted state aid amounts will not be certified until Oct. 15.

Lynette also highlighted special education reimbursement rising from about $1.8 million in 2024–25 to a budgeted $2.6 million for 2025–26 — an increase of roughly $700,000 — and a planned interfund transfer to fund 27 of about $4,600,000 to cover related expenses. The presenter described the district as showing a balanced set of budgets across funds and pointed to total expenditures near $80,000,000 when capital projects and referendum spending are included.

On insurance, the board heard that the district’s property insurance increased substantially (presenter cited a roughly 21% rise in property premiums) while workers’ compensation decreased, producing a smaller net increase in insurance costs overall. The presentation also noted federal title grant allocations that had been frozen are reflected for 2026–27 allocations, though future federal funding remains uncertain.

Board members asked technical questions about indebtedness, debt payments, and levy amounts; Lynette walked through the levy page showing a general fund levy increase and a roughly $1,300,000 total levy increase after reductions in referendum debt service. After discussion, the board voted to approve the preliminary budget for publication and public review at the district’s annual meeting and budget hearing.

The district will present the budget and hold the public hearing at River Falls High School on Sept. 22 at 6:00 p.m., followed by the regular board meeting.