School budget strains prompt proposed fee increases and push for sponsorships

District finance staff told the Woodland Park School District RE-2 board on May 13 that draft budget projections show declining fund balances and capital pressures that will require a mix of cost reductions, increased fees and outside support.

Chief Financial Officer David Curritar said fiscal projections are fluid but warned the district "just can't afford to deficit spend anymore" as general fund and capital balances have fallen compared with prior years. He described a possible roofing project with a $1.2 million estimate for which the grant discussed would cover up to half, and stressed the district would need to cover a substantial local match if awarded.

Staff presented a detailed activities and athletics spreadsheet that showed athletics and activities running an operating shortfall; the packet showed a combined cost of roughly $545,000 for athletics and activities with an estimated district subsidy of about $362,000. The staff presentation noted current participation fees are among the lowest in the region and recommended raising many fees to better align cost-recovery, including examples such as raising some high-school sport fees from $75 to $200 for in-district students.

Officials emphasized fee waivers and scholarships for low-income students would remain available. The district noted free-and-reduced students would receive fee adjustments or support, and staff suggested creating an explicit scholarship fund to ensure participation is not blocked by inability to pay.

On transportation, the budget team said negotiations were ongoing with Merit Academy on whether Merit would continue to participate in district transportation and that changes there could materially affect bus-fee revenue and route configuration. The district will continue to refine the budget and plans before a formal adoption vote.

Next steps: staff will return with updated enrollment forecasts, any grant outcomes, and refined fee schedules; the board asked staff to consider sponsorship, fundraising and volunteerism to reduce pressure on general funds.