Due to a number of factors, Park County School District 1 will have an extra $1.53 million in its budget as it heads into the 2025-2026 school year.

PCSD1 is seeing a bump in the budget largely due to a $1.3 million external cost adjustment from the state, an increase in special education and transportation reimbursements, a tax shortfall grant of $500,000 due in October and investment income growth.

The district’s total revenue is projected to be $34,395,000 with expenditures listed at $34,395,000 and cash reserves of $6,654,581.

The district will receive $8,103,410 in local mill levies and $2,751,580 in county mill levies, down from $9,222,063 and $3,280,036 respectively. Powell Valley Community Education will receive 0.5 mill and the recreation district will receive 1 mill. 

“We prioritize student success, staff support and facility improvement,” Business Services Coordinator Mary Jo Lewis said. “This budget is presented amid economic uncertainty and ongoing state funding recalibration. Through prudent planning and strategic investments, the district remains in excellent financial condition.”

The external cost adjustment was utilized by the district to increase pay for staff. Additionally the Stronger Connections Grant which funds two at risk tutors and a three quarter FTE nurse is winding down, resulting in room for only one at risk tutor at Powell High School. The nursing position will come back into the general fund to fill a position.

The district is expecting a reduction in average daily membership with a 62 student decline, although Lewis told the board the district remains financially strong. As a result PCSD1 will use a three year rolling average which will serve as the district’s average daily membership for funding purposes.

The district also has a variety of projects going on this summer that include a remodel to Parkside Elementary School’s kitchen, priced at $581,547 using major maintenance funds, and a resurfacing of the middle school tracks, event runways and high jump pad for a total $450,545 funded under 10% major maintenance funds. Major maintenance allocation was increased for one year to 135% of allowable square footage, Lewis said. 

“We continue to be in excellent financial shape at this point, through careful management, through managing the resources that are provided to us from our legislature and our community,” Superintendent Jay Curtis said.

To see the budget in its entirety visit park1public.ic-board.com/.