Tecumseh board approves November Five-Year Forecast and schedules levy work sessions amid budget strain

Treasurer Denise Robinson presented the district’s November 2024 Five-Year Forecast at the Nov. 19 Tecumseh Local Board of Education meeting; the board approved the forecast and related financial reports by a 5–0 vote.

Robinson reviewed financial actions the board approved, including fund advances to cover negative grant balances (the minutes list general fund 001-0000 with $138,839.86 and several grant funds with negative balances such as 516-9025 at ($59,160.53) and 572-9025 at ($57,856.73)). The board also approved amendments to estimated resources and appropriations and a fiscal-year 2025 SAA fund/budget adjustment to split the existing bowling fund into separate girls and boys accounts.

Board members discussed next steps after the Nov. 5 defeat of a substitute levy. Board member Paula Crew reviewed the district’s options and timelines for pursuing a renewal; she said that if the district targets a May 6, 2025 ballot it must complete required filings with the county board of elections by Feb. 5 and asked the board to hold a work session on Dec. 5. Treasurer Denise Robinson described the procedural sequence, explaining that the attorney prepares a resolution, the county auditor compiles required data for a second resolution, and the board then forwards the final resolution package to the board of elections, and that auditor turnaround times vary by office and season.

Robinson said documents presented that evening (assumptions and the forecast packet) would be posted on the district website. Board members agreed to schedule further planning meetings, including a Dec. 5 work session at 5:30 p.m. and discussed the possibility of a special meeting in late December or early January if needed to meet filing deadlines.

The board approved the Five-Year Forecast and the associated financial motions by unanimous roll call.