Trustees Approve Budget for 24-25 School Year
The Midvale school board approved the budget as presented at its regular meeting Monday evening. Total instructional expenses are projected to be $1,520,775 and total support services at $719,427, totaling $2,240,202 for the general maintenance and operation of the school. The projected general fund balance at the end of the 2024-2025 school year is $909,078.
Superintendent Kylee Morris listed several unknowns for the fiscal year 2025 budget and beyond. The state is considering a new funding formula, changes to the career ladder, and House Bill 521 for facilities funding has not been determined regarding how and when it will be allocated. Inflation is increasing costs, new addition overall costs are unknown and no more Covid funds are expected.
The current balance in the plant facility fund is $290,366. The HB521 facility funding still to come from the state would be $500,000 to last over ten years. Covid funds remaining are $70,000 of which about $40,000 will be used to buy another van. Covid funds must be allocated by September 2024.
Also approved was the increase in school meal fees. The National School Lunch Program and the state are pressuring the school to raise prices or face a drop in funding. Costs for student lunches was raised 14-17 percent. Prices for K-6 will be $2.75, and grades 7-12 will be $2.85.
Several policies were updated and approved. Public participation in board meetings policy requires that only employees, residents of the school district and entities working for the district can sign in to address the board regarding items on the agenda.
The open enrollment policy provides guidance for out of district students. Those currently under suspension or expulsion from their current district may not be accepted. Also when a Midvale class size reaches ten, no out of district students will be considered. Combined classes (Special Ed) will cap at 16. Currently the only classes with open spots are kindergarten, first and fifth grades. The rest are full. Special Ed has 30 students with no more room for out of district students.
The library program policy provides a path for parents of current students or district patrons to review or ask the district to reconsider library materials.
The next regular meeting of the board will be July 15 at 7:00 p.m..
