Creston Community School District
Board of Directors Meeting
Working Session
Budget Review 2025-2026
The Board of Directors of the Creston Community School District met on Monday, February 24, 2025. The meeting was held in the boardroom and started at 5:30 p.m. Don Gee, President, presided and the following answered roll call: Dr. Brad James, Sharon Snodgrass, Don Gee, and Galen Zumbach. Administrators present: Deron Stender and Billie Jo Greene.
A representative from the Creston News Advertiser was present.
The president asked the members and audience to face the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Zumbach moved, and James seconded, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0.
Mrs. Greene and Mr. Stender reviewed the district’s financial projections, considering enrollment, Supplemental State Aid (SSA), and the six primary funds. The board discussed financial expectations and proposed budgets for the 2025-2026 school year.
The proposed FY26 budget and levy are based on a 2% SSA increase, with the board planning to reassess after SSA is finalized for the April 21st budget hearing. Mr. Stender outlined ongoing budget planning to address declining enrollment and rising costs, which include a projected revenue loss of $432,308 and increased expenses of $983,875. To mitigate this, the district aims to achieve $961,445 in savings through targeted reductions, including operational efficiencies and staff adjustments.
Mr. Stender stated that while budget constraints are a result of increased costs and declining enrollment the administration is exploring opportunities to generate revenue such as operational sharing, shared services, an online academy, and other revenue-creating factors. Mr. Stender reminded the board that most of these actions would not impact the FY 2026 budget but would be reflected in the FY 2027 budget.
Mrs. Greene also reviewed fund descriptions, the district’s financial health, certified enrollment data, and the proposed FY26 budget. The 2025-2026 levy rate, based on a 2% SSA, is set at 11.76015 which is a decrease of 1.95891 from the 2024-2025 rate.
Zumbach moved, Snodgrass seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:27 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.
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President Secretary
Future meeting in Creston boardroom at 801 N. Elm Street, Creston, unless otherwise noted:
- Monday, March 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting (note one week later), First Public Hearing on Certified Budget and school calendar.
- Monday, April 21, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting and Second Public Hearing on Certified Budget
- Monday, May 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
- Monday, June 16, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
