Pocatello School District adopts 2023–24 budget adjustment and approves modest meal, activity fee increases

The Pocatello School District Board of Trustees approved adjustments to the 2023–24 budget and adopted a package of fee increases for the 2024–25 school year after a public hearing and board discussion.

Business operations presenter Jonathan Bols told the board the budget amendments reflect updated enrollment numbers, finalized federal allocations and audit results, and that the district expects an appropriated fund balance of about $6.4 million at year‑end. He described updates across revenue and expenditure categories as routine reconciliations after final allocations and audits.

The fee package included a 10¢ increase to paid elementary and secondary student lunches and corresponding small increases to adult meal prices; an uptick in credit‑card processing surcharges; and proposed increases to various rental and activity fees. Middle‑school administrators explained the activity card revenue helps pay officials, busing and other activity costs, and that some schools have subsidized activities to maintain equity.

During debate Board Member Heather called the lunch increase “a hard one,” describing the tradeoff between federal pricing tools and family impact. Middle‑school principal Tanya explained the reasoning behind raising the activity card fee, noting officials’ costs have risen and saying, “I feel like $25 will last us another 10 years,” to illustrate long‑term planning for event costs. After discussion, the board amended the proposed middle‑school activity card increase from $25 to $20 and approved the full fee schedule with that amendment.

The board also moved and approved the 2023–24 budget adjustment as presented following the public hearing. Next steps: the administration will implement the approved fee schedule for the 2024–25 school year and continue scheduled budget work in May and June.