Wilmot board targets modest 1% staff raise, looks to attrition and small savings to close budget gap

The Wilmot Union High School District board on Monday reviewed budget scenarios and signaled support for a provisional 1% staff salary increase while asking administration to pursue attrition, targeted operational savings and further analysis of which positions might be eliminated.

The presenter outlined a forecast model with 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% salary-increase scenarios and said adjustments — including lower utility estimates — produce an initial base budget of about $46,000 but the district still faces a structural deficit this year on the order of $190,000–$300,000. The model includes possible reductions such as not filling two vacant paraprofessional positions and a 0.6 FTE reduction in the business manager role.

"We're having to make some tough conversations," the presenter said, urging the board to provide a preferred scenario so staff can identify which positions would be affected. The presenter also noted timing limits: nonrenewal notices must be issued by April 15, and waiting for attrition risks missing opportunities to reassign staff.

Board members debated trade-offs between preserving pay and avoiding layoffs. One member favored keeping raises minimal but offering a fall re-evaluation if revenues improve; another emphasized retention bonuses or stipends as alternatives to higher base increases. A member suggested a combined approach: a small up-front percentage with a potential later increase if the budget allows.

The board discussed other small-line items to trim, including reducing event personnel at athletic events, rethinking adviser and coach stipends tied to participation, modest increases to some student fees, and minor energy-conservation measures such as reducing thermostat setpoints.

Staff gave cost examples: Chromebook rotation funding of about $75,000 was not needed next year because a recent grant covered next year’s purchase; special-education transport costs were cited near $200,000 annually; and parking/repair fluctuations were estimated between $2,500 and $10,000 depending on season and needed repairs. The presenter said school facility capital needs — including “millions” of recommended roof repairs — likely exceed what annual budgeting can cover and could require a future capital referendum.

After discussion, the board directed staff to use the 1% column as the working scenario, refine which positions might be subject to elimination based on upcoming course requests and enrollment data, and return with more detail. The presenter said staff will proceed but noted the board could re-evaluate the percentage later in the year if revenue conditions improve.

The meeting will continue to work through position-specific recommendations once course requests and enrollment numbers are finalized.