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Morris School District previews $150 million preliminary budget and advances consent motions
Summary
Business administrator Dan Borgo outlined the preliminary 2025–26 spending plan — roughly $150 million — citing a projected 3.69% tax levy increase, use of reserves, staffing additions (a culinary arts teacher, computer technician), instructional material investments, technology leasing and maintenance projects; the board approved a slate of routine motions for minutes, policies, personnel and business matters.
The Morris School District’s business administrator presented a preliminary $150 million spending plan and the board approved multiple routine agenda motions during Monday’s meeting.
Dan Borgo, the district business administrator, told the board the preliminary budget will be transmitted to the county superintendent by March 20 and posted on the district website. He said the spending plan includes $3.2 million for salary increases, over $1 million for instructional materials, a $500,000 Chromebook lease to preserve the one‑to‑one initiative, a new culinary arts teacher position enabled by classroom renovations, and $1 million in maintenance projects. "We're currently looking at a 3.69% increase," Borgo said when explaining the projected tax‑levy impact for 2025–26.
Borgo outlined capital outlay and maintenance priorities while noting the district is planning for a possible referendum and will sequence investments to avoid short‑term fixes. He cited a $30,000 quote for a redesigned stadium scoreboard wrap and described plans for a multi‑use turf field to serve soccer and baseball needs.
On the revenue side, Borgo said roughly 80% of revenue comes from the local tax levy, with state and federal funds and tuition comprising smaller shares, and noted the district plans to use reserves and interest income to manage immediate needs. He described the district’s approach to using excess surplus and bank cap to smooth future tax impacts.
After the presentations, the board moved through consent motions on minutes, policy items, educational matters, human resources and business matters. Roll calls indicate the motions passed; the transcript records Mrs. Cole abstaining on business matter number five and otherwise voting yes to approve the slate.
The board will hold a public hearing and final adoption of the budget on April 28. Borgo invited community members to request one‑on‑one meetings to review budget details.
The meeting also included committee reports, administrative updates and one public comment urging exploration of a 45‑hour graduation‑service requirement. The board adjourned after approving the business agenda.
