Central SD 13J officials warn budget gaps, propose targeted cuts as ESSER funds end

Superintendent Jennifer Cabista and Central SD 13J finance staff told the district'9s budget committee on May 20 that the district faces a tightening 2024-25 general fund as one-time COVID relief (ESSER) phases out, enrollment and attendance decline and several recurring costs rise.

Cabista opened the committee meeting with a budget message that emphasized the scale of the challenge: "This funding does not meet the inflation of payroll, supplies, food, maintenance, or energy," she said, adding that the state'9s current funding model does not solve the near-term shortfall and that the district had already started discussions about reducing positions and programs for 2024-25.

The district'9s director of finance, Cease Coates, walked the committee through the general fund (Fund 100) packet and year-to-date actuals. He explained why property-tax receipts and timing make revenue look front-loaded — "most of us pay our property taxes in November" — and noted that interest income had been unusually strong this year but could decline if the federal funds rate falls. Coates said fees charged to grants (4–5.3% overhead) have been a material contribution to the general fund while ESSER funding was available and that the loss of that money will reduce that revenue stream in 2024-25.

On staffing…