The January 15, 2025 FPS School Board Meeting in Wisconsin highlighted significant financial challenges facing the district, particularly concerning health insurance costs and budget deficits. The board discussed a potential 10% increase in salaries, estimated to cost around $850,000, while also noting a slight reduction in open enrollment numbers as students return to traditional schooling post-COVID.

A key point of contention was the anticipated increase in voucher costs, projected to rise by 20 students, which the board acknowledged would impact the budget as a direct revenue-to-expense relationship. Additionally, the board noted a $55,000 increase in common school funds designated for library expenses, emphasizing that these funds must be used specifically for that purpose.

The discussion also touched on rising liability insurance costs, attributed to natural disasters over the past several years, which have led to increased premiums across the board. The board is planning a 2% annual increase in the capital improvement budget, although they acknowledged that this would not be sufficient to address the district's estimated $96 million in necessary improvements.

Despite these challenges, the board expressed cautious optimism about managing the current $11.47 million deficit, which is a slight improvement from the previous year's $12 million deficit at the same time. They emphasized the importance of ongoing adjustments and monitoring of health insurance costs, which remain a significant concern. The board plans to revisit the budget in April, hoping to clarify some of the uncertainties surrounding state aid and health insurance rates.

In conclusion, the FPS School Board is navigating a complex financial landscape, with health insurance costs and budget deficits at the forefront of their discussions. The upcoming months will be critical as they seek to balance the budget while addressing the needs of the district.