Grand Island Board of Education Adopts $77.9 Million Budget for 2024-25 School Year
In a special meeting held at the High School on April 16, the Grand Island Board of Education voted to adopt the district’s $77,932,254 budget for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. The decision came after two days of intense discussion and debate among board members.
The main point of contention during the meetings was whether to replace a retiring kindergarten teacher at Sidway Elementary School. The budget initially proposed eliminating the position through attrition, which sparked concern among teachers and staff members who argued for the importance of maintaining appropriate class sizes for young students.
Three Sidway teachers made a compelling case for replacing the kindergarten teacher, emphasizing the impact of class size on the learning environment and student outcomes. They cited research showing the benefits of smaller class sizes for primary students and expressed their dedication to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience for all students.
Despite differing opinions among board members, the final vote to adopt the budget, including the replacement of the retiring teacher, was six in favor with one abstention. School Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham urged the board to wait for more data on kindergarten enrollment before making a final decision on hiring a new teacher.
The budget adoption process was commended for its thorough debate and consideration of various perspectives. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for May 13, with the final vote set for May 21. Stay tuned for a detailed look at the 2024-25 school budget in the upcoming coverage.