The Waukesha School District's Special Board of Education Meeting on October 29, 2024, focused on the district's financial outlook for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025. Key discussions included the budget proposal, capital improvement projects, and adjustments to the tax levy.

The district presented a total revenue budget of approximately $219 million, with total expenditures projected at $226.7 million. This reflects a slight decrease in revenues by 0.97% and a more significant reduction in expenditures by 5.28% compared to the previous year. A notable factor in this budget is the conclusion of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding, which has now been fully utilized, impacting both revenue and expenditure alignment.

A significant increase of 7.97% in the Special Education budget was highlighted, addressing the growing demand for these services within the district. The board emphasized its commitment to reallocating resources to meet these needs effectively.

The meeting also addressed taxation, a topic of considerable interest among community members. The preliminary budget included a proposed 1% increase in the tax levy, but the final budget revealed a decrease of 2.47%. This adjustment was made possible by favorable state aid outcomes, allowing the district to maintain financial stability while reducing the tax burden on residents.

The board's discussions underscored a strategic approach to budgeting, ensuring compliance with state revenue limits while effectively managing fund balances to support long-term financial goals. The meeting concluded with a historical overview of tax levies, providing context for the current fiscal decisions and their implications for the community.