Enrollment down, budget trimmed

A subject of lengthy discussion at the June 16 Waseca School Board meeting was the 2022-23 “preliminary” budget. Planning was complicated by a drastic 100-person drop in student enrollment compared to past years, which will dramatically reduce state funding. The 2021-22 school year ended with enrollment of 1727, with 1708 students anticipated for the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.  

In response to those concerns, the preliminary budget includes $180,000 less spending in fiscal year 23 than in fiscal year 22. Total budgeted expenditures for 2022-2023 are $33,166,276; for 2022-2023 anticipated total costs are $30,937,464. 

Superintendent Eric Hudspith shared information about a variety of topics, including the district’s long term facilities maintenance plan. He let board members know that research into anticipated future costs indicates certain important projects—including repairs and maintenance work—may lead to up to $14.5 million in additional expenses over the next 10 years. Hudspith’s report also included steps being taken to address traffic and parking problems at the Intermediate and Hartley sites.

Strategic planning for the summer of 2022 and beyond was discussed including topics such as 2021-22 vision cards and administrative data day, the 2022-23 district school year vision cards 

During the meeting, board members recognized new student council representative Addie Wieseler. Other recognitions included Bill Kuschel, tech personnel at the school, athletes, Mrs. Pfarr, Mr. Pollock, and the principals. The school board’s next work session will be July 7.