The Kensington School District held a deliberative session on February 3, 2025, to discuss the proposed operating budget for the upcoming year, which totals $4,500,298. This figure represents a $128,000 increase, or a 2.92% rise, from the previous year's budget. If the proposed budget is not approved, the default budget will revert to $4,417,524, the same amount as last year.

Key drivers of the budget increase include rising costs in guidance services, facilities maintenance, special education, and employee benefits. Notably, the budget allocates funds for a new application aimed at enhancing emotional and social learning for students, which is part of a broader trend of increasing needs in these areas, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The facilities and maintenance budget has seen an 11.5% increase, amounting to approximately $35,000, while special education costs have risen by about $34,000. Employee benefits have also increased by $58,000 due to higher insurance costs and retirement considerations.

During the session, community members raised concerns about the rising costs of education in Kensington, particularly in relation to stagnant enrollment numbers. One resident pointed out that the budget has increased by over 30% in the last four years, despite a significant drop in student numbers, leading to a per-student cost of approximately $31,470. This has sparked discussions about the sustainability of such increases and the potential need for budgetary reforms.

In addition to the operating budget, the session included discussions on three warrant articles aimed at establishing trust funds for special education, building maintenance, and technology. Each article proposes to raise $10,000 for special education and building maintenance, and $5,000 for technology, with funds sourced from the previous year's surplus. These trust funds are designed to provide a financial buffer for unexpected costs, thereby shielding taxpayers from sudden budgetary impacts.

The deliberative session highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Kensington School District in balancing educational needs with fiscal responsibility. As the community prepares for the upcoming vote, the discussions reflect a growing awareness of the financial pressures on both the school district and local taxpayers. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget and warrant articles for the ballot, with community members encouraged to participate in the decision-making process.