Newport passes school budget

NEWPORT – The Newport Board of Directors approved the 2024-25 $22.2 million school budget at a board meeting Tuesday, July 9.

This includes a budget extension of $435,829 out of the general fund to pay for two portables and the salaries of two full time substitutes and a full-time teacher at the elementary school.

The levy rate is projected to be $1.50 per thousand.

“We don’t spend money on capital projects unless we get a grant,” Business Manager Debrah Buttrey said.

State aid has fallen from 52% in 2019-2020 to 44% in 2024-2025.

School officials predict a 40% liability increase in cost next year. The 2024-25 school district liability insurance increased 34.3%.

“Many insurance companies have gotten out of the liability business increasing costs,” Superintendent David Smith said.

“This with levy failures makes it difficult,’ he said.

Smith said the greatest threat to school districts is MSOC (materials, supplies and operating costs) that includes the greatest increase in the budget.

“This is one of the reasons for the budget extension. To balance the budget,” Buttrey said.

Newport is expected to decline in the number of enrolled students as they move towards Homelink, a home-school program.

Buttrey said the money from Homelink balances MCOS expenditures.

The budget also includes $1.15 million in a trust fund for support of libraries and scholarships.