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Wilson School Board approves proposed $161.1 million general fund budget for 30‑day public review
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Trickett and budget director Ms. Schlossman presented the Wilson School District’s proposed final general fund budget for 2026–27 — $161.1 million — which includes a 1.26‑mill (3.96%) increase estimated to raise $3.2 million; the board approved the resolution to post the budget for 30 days and scheduled final adoption for June 8.
Ms. Schlossman and Superintendent Dr. Trickett presented the Wilson School District’s proposed final general fund budget for 2026–27, a $161.1 million spending plan the board voted to post for the required 30‑day public review period.
The presentation, delivered jointly, outlined $151.8 million in budgeted revenues and $161.1 million in expenditures (including a $3.0 million budgetary reserve). Ms. Schlossman told the board the proposal includes a 1.26‑mill increase — a 3.96% change — that she said would generate about $3.2 million in additional revenue for the district.
Why it matters: the proposal balances competing demands — rising special‑education costs, continuing construction phase‑in costs and long‑term staffing commitments — while relying on $6.3 million of fund balance to close a projected gap. The board’s approval tonight moves the budget into the statutorily required public‑review window before a final vote on June 8.
Dr. Trickett framed several drivers behind the numbers, including demographic changes and program pressures that shape spending. "Our student population on the far right hand side continues to grow in diversity," he said, and noted the district partnered with a demographer to refine enrollment projections that will guide redistricting and staffing.
The presentation called out several specific pressures: an increase of approximately 16% in students with individualized education programs over five years; a roughly 22% increase in students classified as economically disadvantaged (about 500 more students); and benefit costs that have risen faster than salaries. Ms. Schlossman said salaries and benefits make up the majority of the budget, with personnel investment estimated at about $121 million.
On debt and construction, the district reported $60 million in recent borrowing to complete Phase II projects and described a phase‑in transfer of $2.7 million for construction costs; the administration said an additional $800,000 will be added to the phase‑in this year. Ms. Schlossman also said the district received an AA stable rating from S&P.
Board action: by roll call the board approved the resolution to adopt the proposed final general fund budget for public inspection and to set the real‑estate millage embedded in the resolution; the motion passed 6–0. The administration will post the detailed PDE budget on the district website for the 30‑day public review period and return for a final adoption vote on June 8.
Votes at a glance: the board recorded the budget resolution as approved by roll call 6–0. Other finance actions approved at the same meeting included payment of bills (5 yes, 1 abstain) and a new copier lease for food services.
What’s next: the proposed final budget will be available for public review in PDE format on the district’s website; the board will consider final adoption at its June 8 meeting.
Source: Presentation and roll‑call vote at the Wilson School Board meeting on May 4, 2026.
