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District reports higher-than-expected common school funds and discusses failed state budget change to special education reimbursement
Summary
The district received $124,850 in common school funds (budgeted at about $74,000) and expects to propose a budget amendment in June; board members said a state mid-biennial revision that would have increased special education reimbursements did not pass.
The Berlin Area School District reported a higher-than-expected common school fund payment and flagged a likely budget amendment for the June meeting.
Finance staff told the board that, when the district budgeted in October, it estimated a common school fund payment of about $74,000; the actual payment was $124,850. Administrators said they will likely present a budget amendment at the June meeting to account for the difference and that Medicaid/MAC payments for prior years will appear at the end of May or early June and could prompt additional adjustments.
Board members also discussed state budget work: a proposed mid-biennial adjustment that included increased special education reimbursement and some taxpayer credits failed in the Senate, meaning districts did not receive the additional revenue. One member referenced a Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimate that the specific proposal would have provided approximately $120,000 in special-ed aid this year and $325,000 next year to a district like theirs, while other members cautioned the proposal had winners and losers and would not have altered the district's revenue limit.
Administrators said the district's revenue limit per member is about $11,678, below the estimated state average (~$12,700); they noted 30% of districts are at or below similar levels. The board expects to review proposed budget amendments and possible GASB-related reporting implications in June.
