Willow Springs R-IV board hears tight budget outlook, keeps nonresident tuition at $8,000

At a regular meeting, Willow Springs R-IV finance staff told the board the district is preparing next year's budget conservatively amid uncertainty in state funding and variable local tax collections.

"I don't like where we're at," the district business officer (Staff member, Speaker 9) said while reviewing revenue projections. He explained that the district's assessed-valuation calculation would generate about $2,909,006.89 in local and delinquent taxes at full collection, but current budget assumptions place local and delinquent taxes at $2,956,010 — a figure that requires collection above 100 percent. "We're about $300,000 short of collecting this $2,956,000," he said, noting that the district has historically experienced higher delinquent-tax rates than many districts.

The business officer also flagged uncertainty in the state foundation formula. "They say they're going to pay $71.45 per kid," he said, but added he was modeling the budget conservatively at 6,900 (weighted pupils) to avoid overstating revenue.

After discussion, the board voted to set the nonresident tuition rate for the 2026'27 school year at $8,000 per student. Board member (Speaker 1) said the rate keeps the district competitively priced compared with neighboring districts, noting West Plains charges $9,500. Administration estimated about 35 rural students currently attend Willow Springs High School and that nonresident tuition generates roughly $280,000 in revenue under the current count.

Board members and administration emphasized caution in revenue assumptions, citing both local-collection variability and the state payment uncertainty. The finance office said it will present initial budget numbers in April and return with a simplified projection for trustees to review.

The board approved the tuition motion by voice vote.