Board reviews proposed 3% preliminary budget; 'wish list' of facilities needs prompts questions

The board reviewed a proposed preliminary budget showing a roughly 3% increase; administrators emphasized the figure is an advertised preliminary estimate to meet statutory notice requirements and that the final budget will be considered in May.

Mr Becker described the proposal as a planning figure rather than a final levy change: "this does not mean that's what the increase is going to do," he said, adding the district will continue to refine revenues and staffing assumptions through the final budgeting process. Finance committee members reviewed monthly invoices, discussed replacing a band trailer and evaluating a UTV for grounds and plowing work, and noted several capital needs under consideration.

Separately, a facilities committee report referenced a roughly $4.8 million 'wish list' that included cafeteria dust collectors, air conditioning, learning-commons improvements, sidewalks, and fieldhouse/gym work. One board member described receiving the list as a surprise and urged clarity about whether items were required needs or optional 'wish list' items, given the district's current debt obligations: "we have an outstanding principal on our VoTech loans of 1.87 million," a member noted, urging caution before committing to new projects.

The board approved several consent items tied to the budget process (minutes, invoices and fiscal items) by voice vote and advanced personnel and policy blocks. A motion to approve Cyber Charter School invoices failed for lack of a motion. Board members asked staff to verify whether the facilities list was developed after the VoTech presentations and to ask sending-school representatives about the timing.

No capital project spending was approved at the meeting beyond the usual consent and block items; members asked for additional transparency and for updated construction and bond-invoice details to be presented at subsequent meetings.