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District previews 2025–26 budget assumptions; personnel formula, class sizes and principal pay discussed
Summary
Mr. Gardner presented draft budget parameters for 2025–26 including projected enrollment (awaiting 45‑day ADM), step increases, utility/insurance cost pressures, and use of Title I and special funds; board members pressed for class‑size reductions in kindergarten, review of assistant principal staffing, and clearer budget documentation for scrutiny.
Mr. Gardner presented the district’s preliminary budget assumptions and the personnel allocation framework for the 2025–26 fiscal year, describing the assumptions staff will use to build the superintendent’s proposed budget.
Key points included an expectation of student population change (district projections await the 45‑day ADM report), anticipated increases in insurance and utilities, step increases for employees based on years of service, and that any cost‑of‑living adjustments will be determined by the state or the board. Title I and other restricted funds will continue to be used for targeted services, and revenue projections will rely on the state appropriations bill when it becomes available.
Mr. Gardner said the personnel allocation formula will remain essentially the same, with principal‑cabinet recommendations to be shared at February budget workshops. Board members asked for additional analysis: Miss Wellens requested modeling of reduced kindergarten class sizes (a suggested maximum of about 22 students) and smaller maximums for grades 4–5 (around 25), and Miss Dawson asked staff to revisit assistant principal allocations and principal salary equity given enrollment changes.
Mr. Gardner acknowledged those requests and said staff will provide more detailed documentation and formulae at the February workshops so board members can see the calculations behind proposed allocations.
In earlier reports Mr. Gardner also noted the annual comprehensive financial report is being finalized and auditors issued an unmodified opinion on the district’s financial statements; he referenced the capital improvement plan approved in May 2023 (a $565,000,000 plan funded from an additional sales‑tax penny approved by the board).
