The Board of Education approved the 2022-23 budget with break-even revenues and expenses after the exception of contingency funds, which are historically not spent, and capital projects, which are typically funded with district reserve funds.
The $47.7 million spending plan had only minor tweaks since the draft budget was published in July. About 80% of expenditures go to salaries and benefits for staff, said Chief School Business Official Jessica Donato in presenting the budget overview. The district has 239 certified employees, 176 support staff and 17 administrators serving 1,841 students. Local property taxes comprise 86% of the district’s total revenues.
New spending this year includes additional staff at Meadowbrook for growing enrollment, an additional teacher for the Young Explorers Early Childhood program, new science curriculum materials, continuous technology replacement and increased insurance and transportation costs, Mrs. Donato said.
This year’s capital projects total $715,000, the bulk being used for HVAC unit replacements at Meadowbrook and Greenbriar and safety improvements to all the buildings.
Contingency funds, budgeted at $781,500, are historically unspent year to year. When those funds and capital projects are factored out of the budget, expenses nearly break even with revenues of $46.2 million.
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