District 25 reviews budget amendments and fee increases, clarifies bond messaging for Highland rebuild

District business staff reviewed proposed 2024–25 budget adjustments, summarized special grant awards and described several fee changes that could appear for board action at the next meeting.

Jonathan Balz (Speaker 16) told the board that the current amendments reflect updated revenue and expenditure estimates and highlighted special grants — for example, a PVTech grant of about $6,500,000 and a Securing Our Schools award of about $428,000. He said districts routinely amend the budget after new grant awards and that the administration expects to bring the adjustments back at a budget hearing next week, with additional opportunity for public comment.

Staff also described modest fee proposals intended to comply with USDA and district rules. Balz said the district can raise adult meal prices by 10¢ as a minimum to meet pricing guidance; trustees discussed a proposed middle‑school activity card increase from $15 to $25 and considered alternatives (e.g., $20) to balance revenue needs with family affordability. Staff explained activity‑card revenue is split between district and school uses and that funds pay for referees, transportation and activity costs.

On the bond tied to Highland rebuild, trustees clarified public messaging. The board agreed not to spend district money on an education campaign for the May ballot and discussed the legal limits of advocacy. Trustees also agreed that if the May bond were to pass without district promotion, the board would forgo selling or accepting the bond proceeds for the original Highland purpose; staff noted bond issuance involves a multi‑month process and estimated costs tied to selling bonds.

No motions were adopted during the session. Trustees asked staff to publish the budget materials, allow a comment period at the upcoming budget hearing and return with final budget language and any fee proposals for formal action.