We know that we will have some funding challenges in FY25 because of the expiration of ESSER funds, (COVID Relief dollars), in September 2024. We have been strategic in our use of ESSER funds, using them for one-time improvements, where possible. Still, our students have experienced many specific needs relating to the pandemic. We have continued to address those needs, with the ESSER funding, where possible. As the pandemic has subsided somewhat, and life has inched back toward a pre-pandemic normal, we must evaluate whether we can pull back on some of these pandemic-specific additional services, while maintaining others.
School principals are reviewing their current year budgeted expenses and are looking to see where efficiencies can be made, as well as where needs have subsided somewhat. Principals working with C/O program leaders and members of their school community will comb through their staffing and expenses and submit their recommendations for the FY25 budget by Friday January 5. At the same time, the Business Office is researching enrollment projections and grant revenue projections to determine the estimated resources that will be available for FY25.
On January 9, the Cabinet team will review the results of the Budget Survey and how requests align to our strategic goals outlined in our District Improvement Plan.
The following week, the Business Office will provide a drafted budget based on the requests from Principals/Directors and on our grant revenue projections. That draft will indicate if there is a gap between estimated revenues and requested expenses. The Cabinet team will adjust requests, as necessary, to balance the budget. The team will include a request for an increase in City funding for education.
The product of this revised draft budget will be reviewed with each school principal and a final Proposed Budget Book will be produced and transmitted to the Board of Education on February 8. Presentations and budget workshops will occur with the BOE over the following two weeks, with a public hearing being held on Wednesday February 21. The public are invited to speak to the BOE at the public hearing.
During the BOE review process a second survey link will be posted on the BOE website for feedback on the proposed budget. The proposed budget will be available online, and students, staff, parents and the public are encouraged to share thoughts. Additionally, questions about the budget can be submitted through this link and we will do to best to answer these questions at the following workshop or meeting.
The BOE may make changes to the proposed budget by a majority vote. February 12 is the date that the BOE has scheduled to make changes and/or choose to approve the final budget. If the BOE does not come to agreement on Feb 12, additional meetings will be scheduled for further discussion and research. The final BOE approved budget must be submitted to the Mayor by March 15, so the latest that the BOE can approve the final budget is Monday March 11.
Once the final BOE approved budget is submitted to the Mayor, he will draft his proposed budget for the City and submit it to the City Council, along with his recommendation for the total amount of the education budget. The Mayor and/or the city council may choose to increase or decrease the education budget as a whole, but only the BOE may decide what line items to change in the budget.
The City Council will most likely deliberate on the budget in April and possibly into May. The public may attend these City Council meetings as well and will be provided with an opportunity for public comment. The City Council does have the final say on the bottom line of the education budget, through a majority vote.
One additional step in the budget’s approval process must be considered. The budget is split into two separate actions – City and Education. The City Board of Finance must meet to vote on each of these budgets no later than 60 days prior to June 30. The Board of Finance’s vote sets the maximum that each of these budgets can be. The BOF members are provided with a proposed budget that the City Council has likely reviewed to some extent. The expectation is that the Board of Finance will use this proposed budget as a starting point. The proposed budget may not reflect changes that the City Council is still in the process of discussing and the education portion may be for a different number than what the BOE requested. The Board of Finance may set a ceiling that is higher than the proposed budget, but this does not obligate the City Council to pass a budget that is that high. While the City Council can further reduce, they cannot further increase either the City nor the education budget to an amount that is higher than what the Board of Finance has set.
Thank you for your time and attention to the steps in our Proposed Budget Development over the next few months. Your input is appreciated, and frequent updates will be shared with you.
