Board members pressed district staff about a near-10% increase in "other purchased services," which staff said reflected two main drivers: increased transportation costs (about $384,010) and higher charter-school tuition (about $901,506 year-over-year). Staff explained much of the transportation increase pays for additional vans and runs used for special-education placements outside district schools.

On charter tuition, district staff said the district budgeted approximately $5.7 million for charter-school tuition for the 2025–26 year and spent roughly $5.1 million the prior year. They said the next year’s amount will depend on the state's revised formula, which the district expected to publish by the end of the month. "As our budget increases every year, our charter tuition rate is going to increase," a staff member said.

The board heard specific per-pupil figures: staff cited a 2025–26 regular education cyber rate around $12,270 and special-education cyber rates cited in discussion at roughly $28,900 (with brick-and-mortar special-education cited near $32,425). Staff and board members noted the combination of higher rates and increased counts of charter-enrolled students can rapidly raise costs. March 2025 counts discussed for cyber charter enrollment included 235 regular students and 89 special-education students (total 324), but staff noted enrollment counts do not record why families leave the district.

Why it matters: Charter tuition and out-of-district placements — especially for special education — are significant drivers of the district’s operating costs. The board asked staff to monitor the effect of forthcoming state formula changes on next year’s budget.

Next steps: Staff said they will provide updated enrollment counts after the holidays and will evaluate budget impacts when the state releases the new formula.