Board approves new depositories, delegates signing authority and okays 10¢ lunch increase

The Greendale School Board approved a set of financial housekeeping items and a modest lunch-price increase intended to reduce a projected school-lunch deficit.

Administration recommended consolidating district bank accounts, citing a change related to Tri City Bank and use of US Bank and investment accounts to maximize returns; the board approved US Bank Local Government Investment Pool and Wisconsin Investment Services Cooperative as district depositories.

Jonathan, the district's director of business services, explained delegation and controls: "Contracts below a $100,000 can be approved and assigned by my role, the director of business services. Those contracts that are over a $100,000 do require board approval," he said, describing the finance committee's review process and the use of investment accounts for funds not needed immediately.

Jonathan presented financials through March, noting operational expenses are "approximately $570,000 higher year to date" largely due to salary and benefit increases and that operational revenues are about $1,600,000 higher year over year due to recent tax collections. The board approved checks and disbursements in the amount of $4,351,386.00.

On school meals, administration presented an updated projection showing a roughly $44,000 deficit at current prices and recommended a 10¢ increase to student-paid lunches for 2026–27. Jonathan said the recommendation assumes a small participation drop (about 0.7%) and that the 10¢ change would narrow the deficit to about $39,000. After brief discussion the board approved no changes to the student fee schedule and a 10¢ increase to student-paid lunches.

Board members asked for clarification on the $100,000 signing threshold and were told the finance committee meets monthly to review financials and vendor contracts. The motion to authorize signing and the depository approvals passed by roll-call votes.