Gwinn Area Community Schools board adopts 2023–24 amendment and approves 2024–25 budget

The Gwinn Area Community Schools board voted to adopt a 2023–24 budget amendment and to approve the district’s proposed 2024–25 budget after a detailed presentation on district finances.

The business manager said the amended 2023–24 figures show general fund revenues rising about 16.8% and expenditures about 12.5%, driven primarily by additional grant funding tied to safety improvements and an HVAC project. "If you take a look at what was proposed in June 2023, the operating surplus is just $85,000. It's now $743,078," the business manager said, noting the projected fund balance would be roughly $3.1 million at year end.

The board heard next‑year assumptions that include a $250 per‑pupil increase in state aid and an enrollment averaging method that produces a higher compensated FTE in the short term. The business manager also warned of a substantial ESSER funding reduction—about $2.2 million total—with $1,666,636 tied to the HVAC project (which reduces both revenue and corresponding expenditures) and $534,581 tied to salaries and indirect costs that will affect fund balance.

For the 2024–25 proposed budget, the presentation listed roughly $15,000,006 in revenue and $15,980,017 in expenditures, producing an operational deficit of about $325,000 and a projected beginning fund balance of roughly $2.8 million. The business manager said the district has options to close the gap, including special education funding and conservative expenditure assumptions.

During the meeting the board approved the May check run—$1,100,568.44—then voted to adopt the 2023–24 budget amendment and, separately, the 2024–25 budget. Several members praised the district for avoiding short‑term borrowing this year; one board member noted, "We are not borrowing," referencing the district’s current stability.

The board will monitor revenues and grant closures and return to the topic if adjustments are needed during the fiscal year.