Board reallocates funds for six special-education assistants, assigns $2.5M for Lakeview roof

Wilson County trustees unanimously approved a budget amendment that reallocates district funds to support six special-education educational assistant (EA) positions and assigns $2.5 million from fund balance to the Lakeview roof replacement project.

Sebastian, who presented the amendment, said the reallocation will fund the six EA positions (about $235,000 including fringes) to meet an influx of students requiring additional support. "I'm reallocating fund from a couple lines, to support 6 SPED educational assistant positions," Sebastian said, adding the move would not touch unassigned fund balance beyond previously planned transfers. Sebastian also said the district received roughly $800,000 in high-cost reimbursements in fiscal year '26 for extraordinary services.

The amendment also places $2.5 million into the capital projects fund (fund 177) for Lakeview's roof replacement and adds budget estimates for two construction projects in Watertown and Lakeview based on estimated bond revenue. Sebastian said the district's unassigned general-purpose school fund balance will remain an estimated $41'$42 million after the transfers. The board approved the amendment by a unanimous vote (4-0).