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Business official warns of rising insurance costs, low Foundation Aid and possible EV bus purchase
Summary
School Business Official Denise Wist presented the executive budget Feb. 5, reporting rises in health (11%) and dental (3.25%) insurance, a decline in workers' compensation (~5%), Foundation Aid projected at about 1%, summer program costs near $48,000, and consideration of purchasing a large bus, a wheelchair-accessible bus and possibly an electric vehicle (EV) bus.
Denise Wist, the district’s School Business Official, told the Board Feb. 5 that the district is facing budgetary pressure from rising insurance costs and increased debt service tied to the capital project.
Wist said "health insurance (11%) and dental insurance (3.25%) rates [are] going up while workers comp. (5%) is going down," and presented an executive budget anticipating Foundation Aid of about 1% instead of the roughly 2% the district typically sees. She also reported that PreK revenue has doubled and that the summer program is expected to cost about $48,000. BOCES figures are expected on Feb. 12 and fuel bids will open Feb. 10, she said.
On transportation, Wist outlined a plan under consideration to purchase one large bus, one small wheelchair-accessible bus and possibly an EV bus, subject to final pricing, bids and available aid. She cautioned that debt service will rise because of the current capital project and said the district plans to submit that project by Dec. 2026 and pursue BOCES aid where eligible.
