Lakewood City School District

This document provides an overview of the Lakewood City School District's funding mechanisms, primarily derived from local property taxes, state funding, and federal support. It details the breakdown of revenue sources, explains the district's levy cycle, and illustrates how funds are allocated, with a significant portion dedicated to classroom instruction. The report emphasizes the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility, strategic expense management, and maintaining high academic standards while navigating funding constraints.

The meeting began with a recess for an executive session to consider the employment and/or dismissal of a public employee, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of the agenda. The Superintendent's Report included updates from the Principal of Harrison Elementary School, recognizing student achievements. The board also received legislative updates. Discussion items covered the Finance Report, specifically investments and financial information for January 2026, the Buildings, Sites and Major Purchases Report, and the Education Report, which included discussions on a Career-Technical Education Agreement and resolutions concerning student clubs and gifts to the schools. Further discussions addressed Policy and Human Resources and Community Services reports regarding certified and classified personnel. The meeting concluded with approvals for certified and classified actions on one reading and adjournment.

This Financial Forecast Report for the Lakewood City School District serves as a tool for long-range financial planning, assessing financial health, and identifying potential fiscal challenges. Covering the fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the report projects that expenditure growth will outpace revenue increases. This trend is expected to lead to a significant decline in the district's cash balance and a projected revenue shortfall by fiscal year 2030. To achieve a balanced budget in 2030, a revenue increase of 17.81% or an expenditure reduction of $19,945,518 would be necessary.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to consider the employment and/or dismissal of a public employee, concluding before the public session. During the public session, the agenda was adopted, and minutes from previous meetings held on January 22, 2026, February 2, 2026 (Special), and February 2, 2026 (Regular) were approved. The Superintendent's report included updates and recognition of Horace Mann Elementary students. The Board approved the consent agenda covering Finance, Buildings, Sites and Major Purchases, Education Report, and Policy items. Financial items included investments matured and financial information for December 2025. Education items involved the approval of calendars for the 2027-2029 school years, student clubs, a tuition waiver, an extended field trip, instructional materials, courses of study, and gifts received in February 2026. Human Resources actions, including Certified, Classified, and Community Recreation & Education items, were approved, along with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lakewood Community Baseball Softball Association. Finally, certain Certified and Classified actions were approved on one reading.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of the agenda for the Regular Board of Education Meeting. The Superintendent's Report included updates on district performance, highlighting student resilience recognition and staff commendations for educators. A key finance update involved Treasurer Rohde addressing an error in the county fiscal certification from a previous meeting, requiring a resolution on the current agenda to present accurate taxable property values. Discussions covered investment activity for December 2025, updates on buildings and major purchases, and educational items including the approval of calendars for 2027-2029 and resolutions for student clubs, field trips, and instructional materials. Human Resources matters concerning certified and classified staff were also reviewed. Action items included the approval of Lakewood High School graduation candidates, approval of certified and classified actions on one reading, and the approval of a resolution to submit a 6.9-Mill Tax Levy question to the electors for current expenses.