Paynesville board previews 2024–25 budget as enrollment drop offsets per‑pupil increase

Superintendent Carrie presented a detailed, informational budget briefing at the Paynesville Public School District board meeting, warning that a projected loss of 16 students would reduce revenue by about $167,000 — roughly canceling the expected $140,000 gain from a 2% per‑pupil increase for 2024–25.

The presentation laid out near‑term pressures and assumptions. Carrie said the district currently projects a net increase in expenditures of about $491,000 for 2024–25 driven largely by personnel costs, transition and training stipends tied to staff changes, and technology support; under those assumptions the district’s fund‑balance contribution would fall from roughly $599,000 this year to about $326,000 next year. "We are guaranteed with 2% new funding for 24‑25," Carrie said, "so that does bring our per pupil formula up $143 to $7,002.81, but enrollment changes offset most of that."

Carrie explained special‑education funding timing adds uncertainty: tuition billing and settle‑up processes lag roughly 18 months, producing swings in revenue recognition. She said special‑education tuition changes contributed to a positive variance in 2023–24 after earlier deficit estimates.

The board discussed several facility and equipment items that would draw on fund balances if needed: a heat exchanger replacement at an estimated $22,000 and two kitchen ovens corroded by hard water with replacement quotes totaling about $38,000 (Carrie said the food‑service fund would cover the ovens). The board also reviewed longer‑range projects — including softball field renovations, roofing, science‑lab work and a possible scoreboard/tower — and heard that some elements cannot be paid from long‑term facility maintenance funds and would require a mix of funding sources.

On technology, the district contracted POTUS Tech for network and security work after the tech director retired. Carrie said the district still needs regular in‑person support and is proposing to restructure a tech‑assistant position to meet day‑to‑day needs.

Board members flagged demographic shifts (more Hispanic and Russian‑language families) and a shortage of bilingual paraprofessionals, and asked staff to continue exploring staffing options and multi‑grade classroom models to keep class sizes manageable if kindergarten registrations remain lower than historical norms.

Carrie emphasized that the presentation was informational only and asked board members to send follow‑up questions by email; she said a formal recommendation on section determination is expected next month. "This is preliminary information for you as board members," she said. "It does not require action tonight."