 Team Fort Osage met for the fifth time this year on May 14. It was a productive meeting with valuable feedback provided by the committee. There was discussion about the budget, health insurance, salary schedules, employee leave, and legislative updates (information provided below on each). The next meeting will be held next fall with Dr. Grant.
Budget This year’s budget has been impacted by several significant financial challenges. Midway through the year, Fort Osage experienced a $1.1 million reduction in local revenue following the County’s decision to cap commercial property taxes. Looking ahead, the County has also indicated that the district should anticipate additional decreases in local funding next year due to the issuance of approximately $2.3 million in tax credits. In addition, projected state revenue for next year has been reduced by roughly $1.4 million. The successful passage of the levy transfer in April will generate approximately $1.5 million in additional revenue for the district’s operating fund. Even with this added revenue and approximately $1.8 million in budget reductions, Fort Osage is still projected to operate with a deficit budget next year. Although several financial factors remain uncertain, the district must continue to take a cautious and responsible approach, as local, state, and federal funding sources are expected to remain volatile in the years ahead. Health Insurance Fort Osage’s health insurance renewal was January 1. Through April, claims are 95%, resulting in a $150,000 reserve. As we plan for next year’s budget, we are currently budgeting that the District’s contribution will remain at $880 per month. I will continue to closely monitor the plan’s performance. Below is the participation for each health insurance plan: Plan 1 ($3,600 HD Local Plus) 181 people (31%) Plan 2 ($3,600 HD) 363 people (61%) Plan 3 ($2,000 PPO) 49 people (8%) 593 people Salary Schedules Per my email earlier this week, at the June Board meeting I will, at a minimum, recommend steps and movement on the salary schedule totaling approximately $927,000 in additional expenses. Despite ongoing financial challenges, Fort Osage remains committed to maintaining competitive salaries compared to area districts. This requires balancing our commitment to staff with the responsibility of managing a projected deficit budget. In consideration of these factors, and barring any unforeseen changes to state or local funding, I will present the recommendations outlined below to the Board of Education at the June meeting for their consideration. Certificated Salary Schedule Recommendations:
Additional Compensation for Certified Staff Recommendations:
Extra Duty
Classified Salary Schedules
Certificated and Classified Administrators/Directors
All Staff Certificated contracts, with the new salary and placement information, will be sent following Board approval in June. Extra duty and extended day contracts will also be sent following Board approval in June. Classified letters of assurance, with Board approved rates of pay, will be sent in June. If you have any questions you may contact the human resources department at 816-650-7004 or email Debbie Peterson at [email protected]. Employee Leave This year, the District implemented protected/ineligible leave days during the final week of school with students. This change was made to support students during the important final days of the school year, improve student attendance, and help ensure a smooth transition into summer. We also recognize this was a new process that required adjustment for staff, and we appreciate everyone’s flexibility and cooperation in helping ensure our schools remained fully staffed during the final week students were on campus. Thank you for your support. Based on ongoing conversations with Team Fort, the following employee leave recommendations will be presented to the Board for approval in July:
This change would only apply to the following staff groups:
Legislative Update The legislative session concluded on Friday, May 15. Throughout the session, more than 400 bills that could have impacted public education were monitored. Overall, the session was defined as much by what did not pass as by what did. While there was relief that several concerning bills failed to advance, many of these issues are expected to reemerge in future legislative sessions. Below is a summary of key bills that were closely monitored and their outcomes: HB 2710 — School Accountability This bill would have established a statutory A–F letter grade system for schools. It did not pass before the session ended. However, implementation of a similar system is still likely, as the Governor issued an executive order directing its development. The State Board of Education and DESE are currently determining how the system would be structured. HB 2872 — Literacy and Retention This literacy bill would have required mandatory retention of certain third-grade students who did not meet specific literacy benchmarks. Although the bill did not pass, policymakers continue to show strong interest in literacy legislation, making future proposals likely. HJR 173 and HJR 174 — Tax Reform Since the Governor’s State of the State address in January, state income tax reform remained a major topic of discussion throughout the session. Despite significant attention, no legislation was ultimately passed. Missouri currently receives approximately $9 billion in annual revenue from income taxes, which could potentially be replaced through an increase in sales tax revenue. School Funding For the current school year, the foundation formula is underfunded by approximately $138 million. The proposed budget for next year underfunds the formula by an additional $190 million, along with a $15 million shortfall in transportation funding. School Choice There were no major changes to Missouri’s school choice landscape, as no open enrollment legislation was passed. Comments are closed.
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