Okemos board previews 2025–26 budget, debates club cuts and substitute‑day reductions

Okemos Public Schools trustees on Monday reviewed a preliminary 2025–26 budget package that combines previously discussed reductions, updated state‑aid assumptions and staffing changes, and will be brought back for a formal vote at the board's next meeting.

Executive Director Lentz summarized outcomes from recent work sessions and a list of consensus items the board asked to be included. "They totaled just over $1,100,000," he said of the items the board asked staff to build into the budget. Lentz also described that the district adjusted the assumed foundation allowance to $300 in the draft, and said the district's current projection shows a favorable position once the listed changes are included.

Board members focused extensive discussion on two politically and practically sensitive areas: substitute‑day usage and paid student clubs. Lentz reported an analysis of substitute usage this year that identified roughly 3,300 substitute days across the district, with about 864 discretionary days remaining after contractually required time. After consulting building principals — who reported relying heavily on building substitutes for daily coverage and routine needs — Lentz recommended no further reductions beyond those already agreed. "I did not feel that he could support another reduction on subs," he said, describing principals’ unanimous feedback that building substitutes remain necessary.

Trustees pressed administrators on the equity impacts of proposed club reductions. The board had previously reached a consensus to reduce the number of paid clubs; several trustees voiced strong reservations about that move. "I really struggle with cutting clubs as well," Trustee Phelps said, urging the board to avoid charging club fees and to gather better participation and cost data before making cuts. Administrators clarified that the budget line in question offsets supervision stipends rather than supplies and acknowledged the historical inconsistency in how activities have been classified across Schedule B and community education.

On staffing, district leaders described modest reductions in course sections driven by low enrollment in some courses. Dr. Dan Kemsley and Executive Director Lentz said a review of high‑school course signups produced several sections with only seven or eight students, which contributed to a proposal to reduce three high‑school sections and the related three teacher positions.

Superintendent Hood framed the session as a moment to step back and evaluate the cumulative effect of earlier, smaller decisions. "Now you've had the opportunity to sit for a couple of weeks, and now you're seeing it brought forth in its entirety," Hood said, asking trustees whether they wanted additional changes before the preliminary adoption next week.

What happens next: Staff will bring a preliminary budget for adoption at the board's next meeting; trustees said they will monitor implementation closely (particularly substitute allocations) and requested follow‑up reporting on actual use and unintended impacts of any reductions.

Reporting note: The board was explicit that further adjustments could be made before final adoption; the preliminary budget must be adopted by law by June 30, and the district said it will continue revising assumptions as state aid, enrollment and negotiations evolve.