The Prentice School District is asking what the community would support for an operational referendum.
Below is a snapshot of why the extra funds are needed.
2023 - 2024 Budget adopted October 2023
Expenses: $6,397,292
Revenues: $5,784,512
Shortfall: $612,780
Savings: $296,038.80
- 2024-2025 budget is forecasted to be short between $500,000 - $700,000
- Retain quality staff to educate ALL students, provide services and maintain our campus
- Roof replacement needed (1998 addition - West gym & Classroom area) Cost will be between $300,000 - $400,000
- Vehicle purchases needed to provide safe transportation for our students $30,000 - $50,000 per vehicle
- Bus purchased in 2023 - Loan needs to be paid ($109,079, financed over 4 years)
- Continue regular software updates and monitoring systems to safeguard our students' and staffs' personal information against cyber-attacks
- The state funding formula has not changed since 1993. It does not take into account full inflation rates. This is causing the district revenue per pupil to lag behind approx. $3,300/student. Forcing many districts across the state to need an operational referendum.
The district understands it needs to look at all options to cut costs, including but not limited to:
- Position cuts
- Benefit changes to produce savings (Health Care & Cash in Lieu of Insurance)
- Cutting extracurricular activities for our students (Sports or Performing Arts Programs)
- Combining positions to eliminate new hires
- Bus stop locations instead of full routes
- Contract virtual learning options instead of hiring staff
In addition to cutting costs the district will look at options to raise revenues, including but not limited to:
- Continue to apply for grants that are specific to our needs
- Meeting with our state representatives to advocate for our students' need for additional state funding
- Attract new families to the district & retain the families already here
Without the community's support, the district will need to make decisions that would negatively impact the quality of the educational experience for all students.
- At the end of this document, please let the district know what you would be willing to support by filling out one of the 3 options.
- ONLINE USERS-Select an option, then click submit.
- POST OFFICE/IN PERSON USERS-Fill out an option and send your response by May 3, 2024 back to the school or give it to any of the 9 board representatives.
