Board adopts amended 2025–26 budgets, sets millage confirmation and moves forward on 2026–27 proposal

The Monroe Public Schools Board of Education on June 23 adopted amended 2025–26 budgets covering the general fund, food service, student activity and multiple bond and sinking funds and confirmed the district’s millage levies as presented. Finance staff told trustees the amendments reflect updated assumptions, including allocation of interventionist positions funded through 31a at‑risk dollars and inclusion of a $128,000 clinic line item at the high school.

Cassie Shook, who presented the budgets, said the motion follows state formatting requirements. “The way the motion is written is how the state requires us to have it written,” she said, responding to a board member’s request to rephrase a line about millage. Shook also explained that the interventionist positions are fully covered by 31a at‑risk funds and that she will confirm childcare staffing and hourly adjustments in forthcoming board briefs.

Board members asked detailed questions about staffing reductions, buyouts and severance estimates. One trustee noted that the document lists $1.4 million in elementary staffing reductions but other schedules show different severance figures; Shook said she would follow up with clarifying materials. Trustees also discussed facility rental rates and directed administration to bring a proposed schedule for review.

After discussion, the board approved the amended 2025–26 budgets by roll call. Administration additionally presented proposed 2026–27 budgets and proposed millage rates for public notice and future approval; trustees set the 2026–27 proposal for a July follow‑up as required by state process. The board was told the district is operating on a thin margin and that continued expenditure reductions and monitoring will be necessary to stabilize the fund balance.