Development News for St. Joseph, Missouri

April Financial Report Shows On-Track Revenue, Anticipates FY27 Shortfall

The board reviewed the April financial report, noting that revenue was on track at over 90% of the budgeted amount. Expenditures were at 77.8%, primarily due to payroll, which includes June and July payments for certified staff. The report indicated that the district is projected to end FY26 in the black with an operating fund balance of approximately 10.25%. However, a projected shortfall of $3.5 to $4 million is anticipated for FY27 due to the state not fully funding the formula. The preliminary budget for FY27 will be presented in June, but will not include final property valuations, tax rates, or enrollment numbers. The healthcare trust fund had a slight negative run of just over $17,000 for the month, but maintains a healthy fund balance of $5.48 million. The district is self-insured for healthcare and purchases stop-loss insurance for claims over $200,000.

Personnel Report Approved Amidst Discussion on Resignations and Policy Adherence

The board approved the personnel report and supplemental report, which included resignations and retirements. While acknowledging concerns about staff retention, the superintendent noted that the number of resignations and retirements is typical for the district and only nine certified staff members heavier than the previous year. A discussion ensued regarding policy DBFA concerning nepotism and the disclosure of related individuals applying for positions. Board member Miller raised concerns about the timeliness of information provided and adherence to policy, particularly regarding her daughter's employment. The board ultimately approved the personnel report with two abstentions.

YMCA Childcare Expansion Approved to Address Community Needs

The board approved an addendum to the MOU with the YMCA for an early learning expansion of childcare services. The expansion aims to address the community's childcare desert status and will initially be implemented at Lake Elementary, with plans to expand to Mark Twain. The program will offer before and after school care, and potentially full-day care. The YMCA will utilize district classrooms, maintaining a maximum of 20 students per room with two staff members and a floater, adhering to state licensing ratios. There will be no direct cost to the school district for this expansion, as the YMCA will cover any additional expenses. The YMCA is prepared to start services as needed and is working through state licensing and potential modifications.

April Financials Show On-Track Revenue, Anticipate FY27 Shortfall

The board approved the April financial report, which indicated that revenues were on track at over 90% of the budgeted amount, while expenditures were at 77.8%. The lower expenditure percentage is attributed to payroll, which includes June and July payments for certified staff. The district is projected to end FY26 in the black with an operating fund balance of 10.25%. However, a projected shortfall of $3.5 to $4 million is anticipated for FY27 due to state funding formula changes. The preliminary FY27 budget will be presented in June without final valuations or tax rates. The healthcare trust fund had a slight monthly deficit but maintains a healthy balance of $5.48 million. The district is self-insured for healthcare and uses stop-loss insurance for claims exceeding $200,000.