The Manhattan-Ogden School Board gave final approval this week to authorize publication of its notice to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2023-24 budget.
The total mill levy will be 60.095, a decrease of about a half mill compared to the previous fiscal year. The General Fund, set by the Kansas Legislature, remains at 20 mills, while the Capital Outlay remains at 8.0 mills. Mill decreases are also noted in the district’s supplemental general (local option budget) and bond and interests. At risk expenditures continue to rise ,totaling over $11.1 million, compared to $8.1 million last year. The figure has more than tripled since the 2021-22 budget. Superintendent Eric Reid explains why.
State law requires districts to transfer funds from its supplemental general fund to its at-risk and bilingual funds. The amount to be transferred is at the amount of the district’s LOB proportional to the amount of the district’s total foundation aid due to the at-risk or bilingual weighting.
The board will hold hearings on the revenue neutral rate and budget September 6th before taking final action at that evening’s meeting.
The board also approved the 2023-24 NEA agreement for teachers by a unianimous vote of 6-0 at this week’s meeting.
Board member Curt Herrman thanked staff for their work during negotiations.
The new agreement includes an increase of $1,700 in starting base salary pay from $43,000 to $44,700. There is also a 5.55% compensation package increase included in the deal.
The agreement goes into effect at the beginning of the new school year.
