The Willmar Public School Board on June 26 approved the original budget for the 2023-2024 school year, with expected general fund revenues of approximately $69.21 million and expected general fund expenditures of approximately $67.36 million.
Willmar Public Schools has growing needs not fully covered by state funding and may turn to the voters for help this fall. The School Board discussed it this week but hasn't made a decision.
Willmar Public Schools' meal program, particularly in elementary grades, has very high participation and that fact should help in planning for the fall, when Minnesota schools will provide meals to all.
Falling enrollment has led to the need to reduce the budget for the 2023-24 school year. Enrollment fell at the beginning of the pandemic, rebounded a bit in 2021-22 and has fallen again this year.
The Building and Grounds Committee of the Willmar School Board discussed filling the Middle School's pool to turn the area into a second gym. The issue will be on the March 13 board meeting agenda.