Southern Boone School District approves budget with reduced funding

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Southern Boone School District approved its budget for the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year during their monthly meeting Monday night.

A presentation given prior to the vote showed the upcoming budget will come in at a total of $9,593,681, which is around $201,480 less than the current fiscal year.

A decrease in funding from the state was cited as one of the reasons for that decrease.

Along with the decrease, the presentation noted the district is also scheduled to spend nearly a million dollars less, with $961,341 expected in spending.

The district also eliminated multiple positions, including two teachers, one administrator, multiple para-professionals, and a maintenance worker.

Other expenses in the budget include an increase in health insurance spending of 2.9%, and 2% cost of living increase for school administrators.

Following the unanimous approval from the board, they also approved multiple amendments to the budget, including moving funds, and a 2% increase to the base pay for the upcoming teacher salary schedule.

The meeting also included an update on a number of district construction projects, which are making progress, despite several reported setbacks due to recent weather.