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District previews 2024–25 budget, flags plant-facilities levy option and ESSER wind-down
Summary
Business staff presented a preliminary budget report noting a small May tax increase, ESSER (federal) spending categories and an option to include a 5% plant-facilities levy increase in next year's budget to backfill depleted COVID-era funds and cover Highland projects; trustees will continue discussion at a June 18 budget hearing.
Jonathan (speaker 20) presented preliminary budget materials for fiscal 2024–25 and outlined changes trustees should expect ahead of the June 18 public budget hearing.
Key points: Jonathan reviewed the district’s largest fund (the 100 fund), said the district received a small increase in the May tax payment that slightly raised the estimated beginning balance, and reviewed the final months of ESSER funding and proposed categories (learning loss, curriculum, tutoring, operational continuity). He said staff earmarked some ESSER dollars for playground equipment, bleachers, HVAC and other mitigation items.
On the plant facilities fund, Jonathan said the board could include an option in the budget to take the available 5% increase embedded in the levy language approved in March 2020; if the board chooses to include the increase, the draft budget will reflect that request and the board can later modify it. He said that ESSER funds are being depleted and that the plant-facilities levy could be used to replace those dollars. Jonathan also noted a placeholder of $1,000,000 (labeled in materials as a House Bill 05/2025 transfer) to offset the loss of prior lottery-match revenue and that staff carved out $2,500,000 in the draft for Highland High School enhancements pending insurance outcomes for a damaged facility.
Trustees asked clarifying questions about graduation-ceremony costs covered in the budget, timing for ballot measures and levy-year mechanics; no budget vote was taken and trustees were reminded the June 18 session will be the formal budget hearing.
What's next: Staff will refine numbers for the June 18 budget hearing and return with more detailed exhibits and any proposed levy questions to include in the public budget documents.
