Spending for the 2024-25 school year is expected to increase based on the Leland Public School (LPS) budget adopted this week by the Board of Education.
Board members voted unanimously Monday to adopt a spending plan totaling $8.7 million for the new budget year that begins July 1, up from $7.8 million in the current year.
Leland’s most recent budget was based on the district’s identified as out-of-formula, meaning the property value of the district would generate more than the per pupil foundation allowance from the state. School officials anticipate remaining out-of-formula for 2024-25.
General fund budget revenue of $5,377,83 is expected based primarily on a 10.9013-mill levy on non-Homestead and nonqualified agricultural property, up 5.3% from this budget year.
The millage, approved by local voters annually, is expected to generate $5,584,031 or about $12,956 per enrolled student for the coming year. This is approximately $3,347 more per student than Leland Public Schools’ base per pupil funding assigned by the state of $9,608 more per student than Leland Public School’s based foundation allowance of $9,150.
Revenue from regional, state and federal agencies are expected to decrease in the coming year. Regional revenue coming from the Northwest Education Services is expected to remain steady at $224,220 for fiscal year 2024-25.
State revenues are projected to increase this year to from $1,448,437 to $1,648,221, or just over 12%. The increase is attributed the implementation of social, emotional, and safety and learning grants from the state. Federal revenue for 202223 is expected to remain steady at $766,610.
An estimated fund balance of $1,206,260 brings the total available to $8.2 million.
On the expense side of the ledger, $4,902,600 has been earmarked for educational programs — $1.8 million for elementary and $2.08 million for secondary instruction. Another $907,000 has been set aside for both special education and Title I instruction.
“This programming represents 57% of total expenditures. Staff in this category include certified teachers, educational aides, special education, at risk, summer school, and alternative education staff,” stated in a budget summary which accompanied the spending plan.
In the area of staff/pupil support, $791,546 in spending is planned, up from $593,298 in the current year. This category consists of support services for student and professional development for staff. Guidance services account for the bulk of this spending at $251,962, down up from $276,001 in 2023-24.
“Expenses for the fiscal year 2024-25 will increase 33% within this category from original adoption,” the budget summary explained. “The increase is attributable to increase funding to social and emotional grant funds, and the addition of grant funds aimed at increasing student instruction by additional intervention opportunities along with staff training.”
Revenue for several of theses grants were received in fiscal year ‘24 but the expense will be realized in the coming budget year, which accounts for the large swing from year to year.
School administration will account for $750,097, up 19.3 % from this year’s amended budget of $605,026. Much of this increase is attributable to the addition of an assistant principal, if approved by the Board of Education.
Business services come in at $345,792, up 9.7% from this year.
Operations and maintenance funds in 2024-23 total $810,296. Transportation comes in at $337,843 and $240,137 for technology services are budgeted.
Budgets for athletics and food service were adopted separately and both are supplemented by the district’s general fund.
Food services experienced an increase in fund balance the last three years. The increase was attributed to the federal funding put in place due to the pandemic. With 2022-23 returning to the “normal” funding platform, expenses are predicted to exceed revenue going forward. As a result, no general fund contribution is needed.
Athletics for secondary sports represent 3% of total expenditures at $235,813.
Available fund balance at the end of the 2024-25 school year is projected at $1,206,260 or 13.79% of total expenses.
