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Toma City Schools presents draft $46.1 million budget and plans to boost entry-level teacher pay
Summary
Toma City Schools presented a draft FY2626–27 budget of $46,144,860, noting state 'TISA' funds supply roughly 58.9% of revenue; the district said by law it must raise entry-level teacher pay to $50,000 next year and plans program and facility investments including expanded early learning space and new STEM and health-science teachers.
A representative of Toma City Schools presented the district's draft FY2626–27 budget to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 11, outlining proposed revenues and priority investments. The draft totals $46,144,860, with the presenter saying the majority—about 58.9%—is expected from state TISA funds. Other revenue sources noted included county property tax (15.8%), sales tax (14.8%), and city appropriations (8.9%); federal funds, tuition and miscellaneous items each contributed less than 1% in the draft.
Key program and personnel changes highlighted in the presentation include:
- The district will fund 100% of several positions previously supported by an Innovative Schools grant, including a work-based learning coordinator and two middle-school STEM teachers, and add a health sciences teacher. - By law, entry-level teachers (those with no experience) will receive a minimum salary of $50,000 next year; the presentation said the current entry-level rate is $48,320. - Facilities work included completion of the Farah project (new media center and dining room), relocation of advanced manufacturing programs and aviation, rekeying classroom doors at East Middle School, gym floor refinishing projects, a new walking track and outdoor classroom at West Middle School, and plans to expand preschool and early-learning programs into the original Farah building. - The district noted it has received three state revenue estimates and expects two more; the final TES estimate typically arrives in June with final adjustments often in July, and the school board will consider final approval in June and possible amendments in August.
Board members asked when the full budget packet would be distributed; the presenter said the board would receive the full materials as staff finalizes state estimates. The school representative (not named in the transcript) also invited questions and introduced Jordan, the district's director of business, to answer technical questions about revenue and appropriations.
Why this matters: The proposed increase to entry-level teacher pay and funding of grant positions from local dollars will affect personnel costs going into the next school year. The timing of state revenue estimates means the current draft is subject to change before final board approval.
Next steps: The school board is expected to approve a June budget and may amend it after final state allocations arrive in July; the city will receive the finalized information for review.
