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Coldwater board approves 2026–27 budget after presentation of projections and staffing plans
Summary
After a detailed projection presentation, the Coldwater Community Schools Board of Education approved the 2026–27 budgets and related amendments, endorsing staffing increases, a 2% salary schedule increase, and a projected general fund balance near 27%.
The Coldwater Community Schools Board of Education voted to adopt the district's 2026'27 budgets following a presentation of the projection budget and related revenue assumptions.
During the presentation the district business official summarized revenue uncertainty tied to pending state aid and said the projection assumes a $250 per‑pupil increase in foundation allowance but cautioned that categorical funding levels could change. The presenter told the board the projection conservatively reduces enrollment by 10 full‑time equivalents and incorporates estimated federal carryovers and grant allocations.
The budget presentation outlined expenditure assumptions including a 2% across‑the‑board increase for staff, lane and step movement, a modest decline in employer retirement rates, and new positions: two ML positions at Max Larson, one at Jefferson, nine instructional paraprofessionals at Larson, a student success coordinator at Larson, a STEM teacher at the high school, and a newly created HR director position. Capital and maintenance items in the projection included new buses (to be funded from transportation funds), playground equipment at Max Larson, parking lot renovations, a PA system upgrade at the high school and a scissor lift for maintenance. The presenter also noted two years remain on a prior obligation of about $515,000 that will be paid from the general fund.
On fund balances, the presenter said the district expects general fund reserves to be about 27% next year after planned projects; the district reported a current fund equity increase to roughly 38.6% this year. The presenter described sinking fund and debt service balances available for projects (debt service shown near $5.9 million) and listed completed sinking‑fund projects this year (boiler room door replacement, rooftop ACU replacement, asbestos abatement) and planned work (roof repairs, Jefferson bus loop, bus garage parking lot).
Board members asked about insurance projections and other districts'foundation amounts; the presenter said health insurance rates will be set in November for a January 1 plan year and that the district's share under an 80/20 arrangement means the district would pay about 10% of a stated 13% premium increase if that increase materializes.
After discussion the board adopted the 2026'27 budget by roll call (motion carried). The board also approved recommended 2025 budget amendments and several accompanying consent‑agenda items during the same meeting.
The board set the next organizational meeting for July 6, 2026, and moved into executive session for a periodic personnel evaluation under PA 267.
