1 of 13

Budget Update

December 18, 2024

2 of 13

Budget Focus for 2025-2026

This year's budget is focused on cost containment and the School Board is proposing an increase that is aligned with Governor Scott's recommended <3% increase.

This will require some hard choices as we will need to slash ~$2.4M from a level service budget which provides the same services and programming as last year.

3 of 13

HUUSD Schools are Good Schools (and we want to be even better)

Elementary Schools In Vermont

  • Waitsfield #3
  • Warren #9
  • Moretown #10
  • Fayston #23
  • Brookside #65

Middle Schools In Vermont

  • Crossett Brook is #16
  • Harwood #30

High Schools In Vermont

  • Harwood is #12

4 of 13

The Primary Challenges

#1 Costs are increasing faster than inflation.

#2 Only a fraction of the revenue from taxes in the district stays in the district

SO WHAT?....

HUUSD costs have a limited effect on reducing homestead taxes. Most of the impact is the result of decisions made by other districts and the State.

SO WHAT?....

A budget which provides the same services and programming as last year represents a 7.3% increase or $3,496,180.

5 of 13

*84 cents of every tax dollar raised in our towns stays within district

16 cents is allocated to outside of district

2022-2023 Town Tax To Vermont Ed Fund

6 of 13

HUUSD increases mirror inflation

Approved Budget

2022-2023

Approved Budget

2023-2024

Approved

Budget

2024-2025

Proposed Budget

2025-2026

Budget

$42,655,858

$45,422,241

$47,892,873

$49,209,927

Year over Year % Change

+5.6%

+6.5%

+5.4%

+2.75%

Inflation

+4.7%

+8%

+4.1%

7 of 13

What we know about 2025-2026

All Vermont School District Preliminary Budgets

6.1% increase statewide average

HUUSD Preliminary School Budget

2.75% increase

8 of 13

This budget represents a 2% increase in our actual education spending from the state

9 of 13

Projected 2025-2026 Budget

10 of 13

FY26 Preliminary District Tax Rate with Statewide Yield Adjustment

Preliminary Excess Spending Threshold is estimated to be $15,926.

11 of 13

Hypothetical Tax Rate by Town

12 of 13

13 of 13

Resources