Board warned that a failed budget vote would force cuts and prohibit new positions and equipment

Assistant Superintendent Miss Donnelly walked the board through what a contingent budget would require if the district's budget fails a second vote and becomes the only allowable budget. She said a contingent budget sets the tax levy at last year—s level and restricts spending on nonessential items and new programs.

"Program expansions are prohibited," Donnelly said, and she gave concrete examples: the district could not buy new equipment (she used the example of a new snowblower), would have to remove proposed new positions such as a technology teacher, and would face limits on nonrequired summer programs and nonmandated support services. She said contingent budgets permit only expenditures authorized by statute, necessary to maintain educational programs, preserve property and ensure health and safety.

Board members asked follow-up questions about reserve use and whether the levy could later be adjusted; Donnelly reiterated that the levy adoption occurs in July and that the board has limited flexibility under a contingent scenario. The presentation emphasized programmatic and staffing trade-offs the district would face under a contingent budget.