District presents draft $146.9M general fund budget; teacher base proposed at $52,250

At the board meeting the finance presenter reviewed the April general fund revenue and expenditure reports and shared the first draft of the district's general fund budget for the coming year.

The presenter said next year's general fund is projected at about $146.9 million, up from $133.8 million this year, a projected increase of roughly $9.7 million (about 9.7%). Local revenues account for about $42.5 million of the total and state revenues account for roughly $104.3 million. The presenter explained that certain state accounting changes moved a health-insurance line into state aid to the classroom rather than eliminating funding.

On compensation, the presenter said the proposed first-year teacher salary in the draft is $52,250. The draft budget includes a $2,000 increase for teacher pay scales, a 3% increase for other employee pay scales and step increases where applicable. The presenter noted the budget assumes House Ways and Means figures and that final figures from the state Senate were pending; the budget will be updated when the district receives state numbers.

The presenter also flagged potential budgetary impacts from pending state legislation (transcript reference: bill "S11") that would expand paid parental leave (proposed to increase primary parent leave from six to 12 weeks and co-parent from two to four); the draft includes contingencies in case the bill becomes law.

Board members asked clarifying questions about salary proposals and timelines for finalizing the budget; the presenter said a final draft will return to the board at the June meeting after updated state data is received.