Enrollment continues to pay off for School District

Grafton School District Business Manager Topher Adams told the School Board last week that early projections for next year predict a $1.1 million increase in the district’s state-set revenue limit.

The increase is driven by growth — the district expects to see a 36 student increase to its three-year enrollment average — and a planned $325 hike to the revenue limit for each student.

Considering both of those factors, the district would see its limit increase from $23.5 million to $24.6 million, Adams said.

Revenue limits determine the amount of money school districts receive in general state aid and can levy in property taxes.

Adams noted the estimates are tentative. This month and next, the district will consider adding teachers to keep up with enrollment increases before presenting the board with a preliminary 2025-26 budget in May or June.

The district will receive state budget numbers in July in preparation for the district’s annual meeting in September and levy certification in October.

Adams said there will be a new state biennial budget next year that could shake things up. The estimates he presented are based on the current state budget.

“The maximum revenue per member could change,” Adams said, referencing the per student revenue amount that makes up the lion’s share of the district’s budget and is expected to increase from $11,557 to $11,882.

“It could potentially go up but be unlikely to decrease,” he said.

Adams estimated the district’s three-year enrollment average will continue to grow, going from 2,037 to 2,073 students. The increase would continue a four-year streak of enrollment growth.

Adams highlighted other points of uncertainty.

The state could increase its per pupil aid payments from its current $742 rate, where its been “for quite some time,” he said.

It also could also increase the reimbursement for special education resources that is currently at about 30%, he said.

Adams said revenue from open enrollment will likely drop next year from $607,000 to $557,689 as the district continues to limit open seats to make space for district students.

In April, voters approved an $11.14 million expansion and renovation of John Long Middle School to make room to move fifth grade there from Kennedy and Woodview elementary schools.