Central to the meeting was the discussion on budget allocations, where a document outlining the fiscal year 2026 budget and projections for fiscal year 2027 was presented. The document, created by an individual named Katie, served as a guide for the leadership team, especially in maintaining staffing levels and applying salary increases. The budget’s starting point was the fiscal year 2026 figures, with adjustments planned for cost of living increases, step increases, and lane changes. However, unsettled contracts for the upcoming fiscal year posed challenges in finalizing these figures.

A significant portion of the budget, approximately 82%, is dedicated to salaries. The projected salary increase of over $3.3 million, equating to a 4.56% rise, was highlighted as the main driver of the budget formulation. The committee also examined special education funding, discussing two distinct lines for out-of-district tuition, contracted services, and transportation. The state-set rates for out-of-district tuition, increasing by 3.04% for most programs, were described as non-negotiable, with some programs facing even higher hikes.

Transportation costs emerged as another key topic, with a projected increase of $140,000 for yellow bus services due to a multi-year contract. Despite this rise, the fleet size will remain unchanged. The committee debated the need for an additional bus to address growing demand at the secondary level. The financial implications of adding a bus, costing around $100,000, were considered, with suggestions to offset this by adjusting family fees. An increase of $10 in fees could potentially reduce the financial burden to roughly $90,000. The committee underscored the importance of setting clear criteria for bus access, particularly for students living over two miles from school, as universal access was deemed unfeasible.

Resource realignment within the operating budget was also discussed, with a rollover number identified at approximately 5.2%. The proposed adjustments would grant principals discretion in reallocating resources, including the possibility of not filling certain vacancies to save around $800,000. However, the complexities of such decisions were acknowledged, emphasizing the need for careful consideration.

The committee examined the decreased reliance on revolving accounts, aiming to correct and maintain a balance, particularly in the circuit breaker account used for special education costs. By contributing more from the operating budget, the committee hopes to build a healthier balance over time. A special education stabilization fund was proposed as a mechanism to address unexpected costs without straining the operating budget.

In terms of budget changes, the committee expressed a desire to not only roll over the budget but also make strategic adjustments to better align resources with district priorities. Proposals included increasing the part-time assistant superintendent position to full-time, enhancing the professional development budget, and possibly boosting custodial staff. There was also a discussion around utilizing revolving accounts to offset expenses, with potential impacts on the budget.

The financial viability of the community schools program, particularly its summer programming, was scrutinized. Tuition increases were suggested to address the current imbalance caused by staffing increases without corresponding fee hikes. The committee acknowledged the need for a sustainable financial reserve to manage unexpected expenses, proposing an allocation of $800,000 to $1 million annually towards this goal.

Concerns over significant salary increases in district administration led to discussions about funding shifts for special education staffing. A move from grant-funded instructional assistants to operating budget allocation was noted, aligning staffing needs with program capacity and providing more hiring flexibility.

The committee addressed potential staffing reallocations, emphasizing transparency throughout the process. While no immediate layoffs were planned, reallocations could necessitate difficult decisions. The committee aims to provide detailed justifications for any proposed changes to existing positions or services.