The budget presentation, led by Superintendent Dr. Andrew P. Davis, outlined the district’s priorities and challenges. With state aid reductions impacting the budget significantly, the board sought guidance from county offices and senators. The budget aimed to avoid staff reductions, maintain strong special education programs, and explore shared services to save costs amid health care increases and a demanding curricular revision cycle. Technology and fund balance allocations were adjusted, and the budget’s minimal flexibility was highlighted, foreshadowing a potentially challenging 2025-2026 budget.

The board’s discussions revealed the need to implement a 1.07% tax increase to address budget gaps. Additionally, a 70% increase in bank cap provided an additional $94,000. Initial proposals included potential staffing cuts; however, adjustments were made following input from the administrative team, faculty, and staff. Notably, the board decided to hire an in-house paraprofessional instead of using contracted services, saving approximately $20,000. Other budget adjustments involved decreases in supplies and administrative costs.

Sports program cuts were a significant topic, with the board acknowledging that despite budget cuts to freshman sports, students would retain the opportunity to participate at other levels, such as junior varsity. Notably, the inability to fill coaching positions or attract athletes for field hockey and freshman girls basketball influenced the decision to eliminate these programs from the budget.

In terms of staffing, the board’s goal to avoid reductions was maintained. Three teaching positions that were on the chopping block will be retained, a retiring high school counselor will be replaced, and the number of hallway monitors will stay the same. The budget breakdown showed an overall decrease of 6% in the total budget, counterbalanced by a 3.78% increase in the local tax levy. The board was cautious about using any additional state aid for staffing, preferring to focus on one-time expenditures or investments.

The impact of the budget on homeowners was also discussed, translating to an increase of $162.56 for a home assessed at $209,000. Despite the tight budget and the potential for difficult staffing and programmatic decisions, the board expressed a positive note on the availability of reserves for maintenance needs and the advancement of infrastructure projects.

During the operations segment of the meeting, the board moved to adopt the budget. In the Human Resources section, the employment contract for the superintendent of schools was approved. In the public participation session, a community member commended the superintendent for her commitment to the school, expressing regret at her impending departure. The meeting was then adjourned, with the next regular board meeting scheduled for the following week.