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Board approves 2026–27 budget parameters, proposes community‑use fund changes; accepts high‑school principal resignation
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Summary
Board approved budget parameters that assume the state biennial appropriation (including a $3.25 per‑pupil increase), discussed shifting community‑use custodial costs into Fund 80 (estimated slightly over $300,000), and accepted the high‑school principal's resignation in a roll-call vote with one member absent.
The De Forest Area School District board approved the district’s budget parameters for the coming year and discussed several operational shifts intended to protect classroom programming while addressing shortfalls.
Kathy (district finance lead) and Ross presented resource assumptions: the state biannual budget yields a $3.25 per‑pupil increase (noted as below current CPI), special-education aid remains uncertain and is running materially below earlier legislative promises (Kathy referenced an estimated shortfall in special‑education aid), and enrollment fluctuations (notably lower 4‑K) complicate revenue forecasting. Administrators proposed maintaining current programming through careful staffing adjustments, using attrition to reassign FTE where bubble classes shrink, and monitoring categorical and capital needs.
As part of the parameters discussion, administrators proposed shifting custodial costs for community use of facilities (weekend and evening events) into Fund 80 (community service fund) and funding two high‑school custodial positions and other community‑use expenses from that fund. Kathy described a preliminary estimate as "a little over $300,000" to cover the expanded Fund‑80 responsibilities and staffing; administrators said they would refine the number and return with final budget detail. The move is intended to avoid charging prohibitively high rental fees while making the cost of community use more visible and recoverable through fees and Fund 80 revenue.
The board voted to approve the budget parameters as presented. Later in the meeting, after convening in closed session under state statute, the board took up personnel business and voted by roll call to accept the resignation of the high‑school principal "as presented." The board recorded all present members voting yes and noted one member absent.
Administration will return in June with a formal budget draft, a refined Fund 80 cost and revenue estimate, and any required budget amendments.
