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FY26 BUDGET FEEDBACK MEETING

L. O. Kimberly Elementary School

February 13, 2025

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AGENDA

  1. Action Items
    1. Approval of Agenda
    2. Approval of Previous Minutes
  2. Discussion Items
    • Budget Development Presentation
      1. ACTION ITEM: GO Team vote on Draft Budget
  3. Announcements
  4. Go Team Candidacy
  5. Public Comment

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MEETING NORMS

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This is a meeting of the GO Team. Only members of the team may participate in the discussion. Any members of the public present are here to quietly observe.

We will follow the agenda as noticed to the public and stay on task.

We invite and welcome contributions of every member and listen to each other.

We will respect all ideas and assume good intentions.

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BUDGET FEEDBACK PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION

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GO TEAM BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

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Step 1: Data Review

Step 2: Strategic Plan Review

Step 3: Budget Parameters

(Strategic Priorities)

Step 4: Budget Choices

YOUR SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN…

is your roadmap and your role.

It is your direction, your priorities, your vision, your present, your future.

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OVERVIEW OF FY26 GO TEAM BUDGET PROCESS

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Step 1 Update Strategic Plan & Rank Priorities

Step 2 Principals Workshop FY 26 Budget

January 15

Step 3 GO Team Initial Budget Session

January 15-31 

Step 4 Principals Cluster Supt. Discussions

Step 5* GO Team Feedback Mtg. February 10-14

Step 6 Cluster Supt. Review February 17-21

Step 7 Principals HR Staffing Conferences Begin

Feb. 24-27 

Step 8* GO Team Final Budget Approval Meeting

Budgets Approved by March 14

GO Teams are encouraged to have ongoing conversations

* GO Teams will need to take ACTION on the budget at these meetings.

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BUDGET FEEDBACK MEETING

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  • What

During the GO Team Feedback meeting the principal will share the 25-26 Strategic Plan Breakout, provide an overview of the school’s draft budget, share updated tabs from the Excel template, and review/collaborate with the GO Team on the comments/notes to explain the use of school-level flexibility in budget allocations.

  • Why

This meeting provides an opportunity for GO Teams to discuss the principal’s proposed budget and how it supports the school's programmatic needs and key strategic priorities for the 25-26 school year. It also provides the GO Team the opportunity to review and provide feedback on proposed use of school-level flexibility.

  • When

Early February 10 - February 14th, before Cluster Superintendent review.

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L. O. Kimberly ES Strategic Plan

Priority Ranking

Higher

Lower

  1. Create a literate community in which students read and write with clarity and fluency
  2. Build student mathematical and critical thinking skills
  3. Improve student attendance
  4. Build capacity of school to support parent/community partnerships.
  5. Build the capacity of teacher leaders to support instructional programs and implementation.
  6. Create a safe, nurturing, and caring environment for all students
  7. Develop knowledgeable scholars through the use of an academics systems framework (IB)
  8. Utilize flexible learning tools, technology integration, and targeted instruction to personalize learning for all students 

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FY 26 BUDGET PARAMETERS

FY26 Budget Allocation

10

FY26 Ranked School Priorities

Rationale

Create a literate community in which students read and write with clarity and fluency.

(Fostering Academic Excellence for All)

With the continued implementation of Heggerty (Phonemic Awareness), Morpheme for Little Ones & Morpheme Magic (Morphological Awareness), and Write Score (writing) and the new implementation of FlyLeaf (Decoding & Language Comprehension) we continue to focus on student/teacher development in the area of literacy. These resources align with the research on the Science of Reading Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538). This work is essential at all grade levels given about half (48%) of our students are performing at the Beginning level on GMAS (2024).

Build student mathematical and critical thinking skills.

(Fostering Academic Excellence for All)

GMAS (2024) results illustrate that approximately 40% of our students are performing in the Beginning Learner level in grades 3-5. Last year, we implemented new math standards and made changes to our curricular resource.

Improve student attendance

(Creating a System of School Support)

Although our overall ADA is above 90%, we have had as many as 26% of our students missing 10% or more of their enrolled days. Many of these students are the same ones that are not making adequate progress. This percentage is has decreased since last school year as we continue to identify ways to incentivize student attendance and engagement.

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FY 26 BUDGET PARAMETERS

FY26 Budget Allocation

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FY26 Ranked School Priorities

Rationale

Build capacity of school to support parent/community partnerships.

(Creating a System of School Support)

For our school to realize true growth we need the support of parents/community partnerships. Ensuring that we find ways to support this partnership is key. This school year, we are forming a PTO. Thus far, we have officers and are working to develop our bi-laws.

Build capacity of teacher leaders to support instructional programs and implementation.

(Creating a System of School Support)

To create a sustainable system of school support, it is essential to develop and empower teacher leaders who can drive instructional improvement at both the team and classroom levels. Teacher leaders play a critical role in bridging the gap between school-wide initiatives and classroom implementation, ensuring that instructional programs are consistently and effectively applied to benefit all students.

By investing in the capacity of teacher leaders, we foster a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous improvement.Through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at the teacher, grade-level, and school leadership levels, teachers have the opportunity to analyze data, develop instructional strategies, and align practices with school-wide goals. These collaborative spaces provide the time and structure necessary for teacher leaders to guide their peers in implementing evidence-based practices and adapting instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.

Create a safe, nurturing, and caring environment for all students.

(Building a Culture of Student Support)

Many of our students face challenges outside of the classroom that can impact their ability to learn effectively. To address these barriers, we must establish support structures that meet their social-emotional needs while fostering a culture of care and inclusion. When students feel safe and cared for, they are more likely to engage with their learning, build positive relationships with peers and teachers, and develop resilience. This priority is not only foundational to academic success but also critical for fostering the confidence and self-worth necessary to navigate life's challenges. By building a culture of student support, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the whole child and empowering every learner to reach their fullest potential.

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FY 26 BUDGET PARAMETERS

FY26 Budget Allocation

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FY26 Ranked School Priorities

Rationale

Develop knowledgeable scholars through the use of an academics systems framework.

(Fostering Academic Excellence for All)

Our core mission is to ensure that every student graduates ready for college, career, and lifelong success. To achieve this, we must implement a structured academic systems framework that examines and manages all interconnected elements within our school environment to optimize student learning and achievement. Key components of this framework include a rigorous and aligned curriculum, effective instructional strategies, ongoing assessments, and robust student support systems. While prioritizing academic excellence in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, we also emphasize the development of well-rounded scholars by integrating Fine Arts, Music, World Language, and Physical Education into the learning experience. These subjects enhance creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, equipping students with a broader set of skills for future success.

Utilize flexible learning tools, technology integration, and targeted instruction to personalize learning for all students.

(Building a Culture of Student Support)

Many of our students, as evidenced through Universal Screeners and classroom assessments are performing below level. Due to the level of student mobility, our classrooms continue to have students across the spectrum of academic proficiency. The ability to tailor instruction for each child’s specific needs is the only way we will see systematic growth in students achievement and school performance. Technology, Small Group Instruction, Data Analysis, and parent engagement are the ways to make this happen.

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REVIEW OF FY26 SIGNATURE AND TURNAROUND PROGRAM FUNDING PROCESS

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Overview

* The district is piloting a zero-based budgeting (ZBB) process for Signature and Turnaround Program Funds this year.

* Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a budgeting process that allocates funding based on program efficiency and necessity rather than budget history. As opposed to traditional budgeting, no item is automatically included in the next budget.

* As such the initial allocation for these programs at all schools will be $0.

Process

* Principals will develop proposed requests for the personnel and non-personnel they need to support the Signature and/or Turnaround Programs at their schools.

* Principals will share and discuss their proposals and rationale for the proposals with their school GO Team for feedback.

* After discussing with their GO Team, principals will submit their request for review by January 31st. Funding for these programs will be provided the week of February 3rd.

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Results from the

Teacher Support Survey

How effective are the following in supporting your work in the classroom? (% rated effective or highly effective)

#1-Access to resources & Independent planning time (92%)

#3-An additional adult to support small group (69%)

#4-School-based professional learning, Support from Instructional Coaches, PLC meetings (62%)

#7-District-led PL (54%)

#8-IB Framework (38%)

Which resources or supports do you use most frequently in your work? (select all that apply)

#1-Independent planning time (92.3%)

#2-Support from an additional adult during small groups (69.2%)

#3-Access to instructional materials & Support from the instructional coach (61.5%)

#5-School-based PL (53.8%)

#6-PLCs & District-led PL (46.2%)

#8-IB (23.1%)

#9-Other (15.4%)

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Sent to all 16 teachers with HRs

(3-KK, 2-1st, 3-2nd, 2-3rd, 4-4th/5th, 2-DSE) 13 Responses

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Feedback from Leadership Team

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OVERVIEW OF APPROVED SIGNATURE PROGRAM FUNDS

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SIGNATURE PROGRAM FUNDS�REQUESTED VS. APPROVED

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APPROVED Signature Program Funds: $0

Requested Signature Program Funds: $0

Rationale:

As we continue to evaluate our school’s strategic priorities, it is clear that our most pressing need is strengthening student proficiency in literacy and numeracy. Based on recent performance data, a targeted focus on foundational reading and math skills is essential to ensuring our students are equipped for long-term academic success.

Our Go Team ranked IB as 7 out of 8 in our strategic priorities, indicating a collective agreement that other areas—particularly literacy and numeracy—require more immediate and intensive attention. Given the limited resources available, we must make strategic decisions that align with our most urgent instructional needs.

By discontinuing IB programming, we can:

  1. Allocate More Resources to Core Instruction – Redirect funding, personnel, and professional development toward evidence-based reading and math interventions.
  2. Increase Targeted Support for Students – Expand small-group instruction, tutoring, and intervention programs that directly address gaps in foundational skills.
  3. Streamline Instructional Focus – Ensure that all instructional time and strategies are aligned with state and district expectations for literacy and numeracy growth.
  4. Improve Student Outcomes – Strengthening literacy and numeracy will have a direct impact on performance in all content areas, setting students up for long-term academic achievement.

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OVERVIEW OF APPROVED TURNAROUND FUNDS

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APPROVED FY26 TURNAROUND FUNDS

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L. O. Kimberly Elementary School�FY26 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED STAFFING AND NON-STAFFING

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SUMMARY TAB OVERVIEW

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Position Title

Earned

Funded

Staffed

Dif

Comments

Teachers

Middle School Core

49.50

-

(49.50)

Middle Electives

19.00

-

(19.00)

Teacher Math 6-8

11.00

11.00

Teacher Science 6-8

10.00

10.00

Teacher Social Studies 6-8

10.00

10.00

Teacher ELA 6-8

9.00

9.00

Teacher Art 6-8

2.00

2.00

Teacher Band 6-8

1.00

1.00

Teacher Music 6-8

2.00

2.00

Teacher Orchestra 6-8

1.00

1.00

Teacher Physical Ed 6-8

7.00

7.00

Teacher Performing Arts 6-8

2.00

2.00

Teacher World Language 6-8

12.00

12.00

Teacher Gifted

13.00

11.00

(2.00)

Teacher Social Emotional Learning

-

-

EIP TEACHERS

3.50

5.00

1.50

Teacher REP 6-12

5.00

5.00

Example

The Summary Tab provides a summary of the staff in our school. The columns show how many positions are:

  • Earned – positions allocated by district departments. There is no school-level flexibility with these positions. 
  • Funded – District’s recommended staffing for positions where there is school-level flexibility with staffing the position.
  • Staffed – This shows how the principal plans to staff the position for the FY26 school year.
  • Difference—This shows the difference between the recommendation from the District and the Principal's proposed FY26 staffing plan.
  • Comments: The principal must provide comments if there is a difference in what is Funded and Staffed. Principals and GO Teams will discuss the rationale provided for the Comments section.

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25

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26

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27

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SUMMARY OF POSITION CHANGES TO SUPPORT THE FY26 BUDGET

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CREATED

REMOVED

2 Master Teacher Leaders

(Build capacity of teacher leaders to support instructional programs and implementation.)

2 Instructional Coaches

1 RAL Coach

Changed Title:

1 IB Coach

Signature Teacher World Language to Teacher World Language

1 Non-Instructional Para

Signature Teacher Band to Teacher Band

2 Reading Specialists

Other:

1 Math Specialist

(.40 of Art, Music, PE, & Spanish-Small Group)

1 Teacher

1 Teacher Tutor

Summary of Changes

PRINCIPALS: Please provide a summary of the impact these changes and how it relates to your strategic plan here.

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NON-STAFFING TAB OVERVIEW

FY26 Budget Allocation

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Description

Rec.

Allocation

Diff

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve

$ 291,149

$ 291,149

$ -

 

Teacher Stipends

 

 

$ -

 

Secretary Overtime

 

 

$ -

 

Contracted Services for Instruction

 

 

$ -

 

Contracted Services for Professional Development

 

 

$ -

 

Web-based Subscriptions and Licenses

 

 

$ -

 

Signature Program Communication/Shipping Fee

 

 

$ -

 

Computer Software

 

$ -

$ -

 

Mileage

 

 

$ -

 

Student Transportation-APS Buses

 

 

$ -

 

District Funded Field Trips

$ 60,886

$ 60,886

$ -

 

Teaching/Other Supplies

$ 81,900

 

$ (81,900)

 

Signature Program Supplies

 

 

$ -

 

Computer Equipment

 

 

$ -

 

Media Supplies

$ 13,104

 

$ (13,104)

 

Example

The Non-Staffing Tab shows how funds are allocated for non-staff items in the school. There is school-level flexibility for most of these items. The tab has columns for: 

  • Recommended—District’s recommended amount to spend on the line item.
  • Allocation – This shows how much the principal is proposing to allocate towards the line item in FY26.
  • Difference—This shows the difference between the recommended amount and the allocation.
  • Notes: The principal must provide comments if there is a difference in what is Recommended and what is Allocated. Principals and GO Teams will discuss the rationale for the notes section.

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NON-STAFFING TAB CONTINUED

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DESCRIPTIONS OF STRATEGIC PLAN�BREAKOUT CATEGORIES

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  1. Priorities: FY25 funding priorities from the school’s strategic plan, ranked by the order of importance.
  2. Strategies: Lays out specific objectives for school’s improvement.
  3. Request: “The Ask”  What needs to be funded in order to support the strategy? 
  4. Amount: What is the cost associated with the Request?

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FY26 STRATEGIC PLAN BREAK-OUT

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Priorities

Strategies

Requests

Amount

Create a literate community in which students read and write with clarity and fluency.

Ensure that structured literacy is implemented with fidelity

We have teacher leaders on every grade-level. We are adding two Master Teacher Leaders to support:.

  • Small-group instruction for students needing targeted intervention.
  • New and transitioning students to ensure they quickly integrate into the curriculum.
  • Acceleration and enrichment opportunities for students demonstrating readiness for higher-level skills.

We were not allocated a MTSS Specialist & 2 teacher tutors, but we needed to maintain these positions to ensure all students needing targeted academic interventions receive the support they need.

Use (.40 of $127,556) allotment of Special Areas teachers to small group instruction

Two Master Teacher Leaders

$281,312

MTSS Specialist

$147,559

2 Hourly Teacher Tutors

$38,348

Special Areas Teachers

$51,022 x 4 = $204,089

Build student mathematical and critical thinking skills.

Increase student discourse during math

Incorporate problem solving in math content

We have teacher leaders on every grade-level. We are adding two Master Teacher Leaders to support:.

  • Small-group instruction for students needing targeted intervention.
  • New and transitioning students to ensure they quickly integrate into the curriculum.
  • Acceleration and enrichment opportunities for students demonstrating readiness for higher-level skills.

We were not allocated a MTSS Specialist & 2 teacher tutors, but we needed to maintain these positions to ensure all students needing targeted academic interventions receive the support they need.

Use (.40 of $127,556) allotment of Special Areas teachers to small group instruction

Two Master Teacher Leaders

$281,312

MTSS Specialist

$147,559

2 Hourly Teacher Tutors

$38,348

Special Areas Teachers

$51,022 x 4 = $204,089

Improve student attendance

Utilize school-based wraparound services and incentives

Maintain a Whole Child Intervention (WCI) Team which includes the counselor, social worker, parent liaison, MTSS Specialist, School Psychologist, & Speech Therapist

MTSS Specialist

$147,559

Parent Liaison

$57,496

Build capacity of school to support parent/community partnerships.

Parent Engagement Strategies (Removing Barriers)

Parent Academy Workshops

Cultivate community partnerships to support school improvement efforts

We were not allocated a Parent Liaison, but this role is critical as we develop our school’s PTO, conduct parent workshops, build community partnerships, and strengthen school and family relationships.

Parent Liaison

$57,496

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Priorities

Strategies

Requests

Amount

Build capacity of teacher leaders to support instructional programs and implementation.

Provide targeted PL based on the Science of Reading

We have teacher leaders on every grade-level.

We are adding two Master Teacher Leaders:

  • Analyzing and interpreting student data to drive instructional decisions.
  • Supporting data team meetings and PLCs to help teachers refine their strategies based on student performance.
  • Provide professional development and feedback to ensure consistency and effectiveness in instruction across all content areas.

Two Master Teacher Leaders

$281,312

Stipends for Teacher Leaders $31,875

Create a safe, nurturing, and caring environment for all students.

Explicit teaching of SEL Lessons

No Additional Request-Time built into the Master Schedule (AP) & monitored by the School Counselor

Develop knowledgeable scholars through the use of an academics systems framework.

Ensure mastery of core content through an academic systems framework

We have teacher leaders on every grade-level.

We are adding two Master Teacher Leaders:

  • Analyzing and interpreting student data to drive instructional decisions.
  • Supporting data team meetings and PLCs to help teachers refine their strategies based on student performance.
  • Provide professional development and feedback to ensure consistency and effectiveness in instruction across all content areas.

Use (.40 of $127,556) allotment of Special Areas teachers to small group instruction

Two Master Teacher Leaders

$281,312

Stipends for Teacher Leaders $31,875

Special Areas Teachers

$51,022 x 4 = $204,089

Utilize flexible learning tools, technology integration, and targeted instruction to personalize learning for all students.

Ensure that small group instruction is data driven and implemented with fidelity

Master Teacher Leaders:

  • Small-group instruction for students needing targeted intervention.
  • Support for new and transitioning students to ensure they quickly integrate into the curriculum.
  • Acceleration and enrichment opportunities for students demonstrating readiness for higher-level skills.

MTSS Specialist-lead data team meetings, academic interventions

Teacher Tutors-Individual & small group instruction

Use (.40 of $127,556) allotment of Special Areas teachers to small group instruction

Two Master Teacher Leaders

$281,312

MTSS Specialist

$147,559

2 Hourly Teacher Tutors

$38,348

$51,022 x 4 = $204,089

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FY26 BUDGET BY FUNCTION

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* Based on Current Allocation of School Budget

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FY26 BUDGET BY FUNCTION

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* Based on Current Allocation of School Budget

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QUESTIONS FOR THE GO TEAM TO CONSIDER AND DISCUSS

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Strategic Alignment and School-Level Flexibility

    • Does this budget proposal, as a whole, effectively support our school's strategic priorities?
    • How do the principal’s proposed changes directly support priorities in our strategic plan? Can we clearly connect each adjustment to a strategic goal?
    • If new positions, resources, or programs are being added, what data or feedback supports these changes? How will we measure their impact?
    • What trade-offs are involved? Are any current programs or resources being adjusted or reduced, and how will that affect our students and staff?

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QUESTIONS FOR THE GO TEAM TO CONSIDER AND DISCUSS

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District and Cluster Priorities

    • How do these proposed changes align with district and cluster priorities? Do we foresee any challenges or misalignments?
    • If the district has allocated funds for specific initiatives – for example Signature Programs - how are those reflected in our budget?
    • If we are sharing staff positions (e.g., nurse, counselor, teacher), how will this affect student support and service delivery at our school?

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DISCUSSION OF RESERVE & HOLDBACK FUNDS

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PLAN FOR FY26 LEVELING RESERVE

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Priorities

Strategies

Requests

Amount

Create a literate community in which students read and write with clarity and fluency.

Ensure that structured literacy is implemented with fidelity

Add an Instructional Paraprofessional to support targeted small group instruction

Paraprofessional

$56,115

Build student mathematical and critical thinking skills.

Increase student discourse during math

Incorporate problem solving in math content

Add an Instructional Paraprofessional to support targeted small group instruction

Improve student attendance

Utilize school-based wraparound services and incentives

Raffles, prizes, class parties, attendance wall resources

Incentives

$3,000

Build capacity of school to support parent/community partnerships.

Parent Engagement Strategies (Removing Barriers)

Parent-Teacher Conference Days

Additional Substitutes

$6,000

Build capacity of teacher leaders to support instructional programs and implementation.

Provide targeted PL based on the Science of Reading & Mathematics

Extended PLC days for teachers to engage in unit planning

(after 9wks,18wks,27wks)

Additional Substitutes

$6,000

$71,705

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PLAN FOR FY26 TITLE I HOLDBACK

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Priorities

Strategies

Requests

Amount

Create a literate community in which students read and write with clarity and fluency.

  • Ensure that structured literacy is implemented with fidelity &
  • Ensure that small group instruction is data driven and implemented with fidelity

Hire an additional part-time teacher tutor

Teacher Tutor

28 wk @ $17,640 + $256 (FICA) = $17,896

$18,825

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ACTION ON THE�FY26 DRAFT BUDGET

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The GO Team needs to TAKE ACTION (vote) on its draft FY26 budget.

After the motion and a second, the GO Team may have additional discussion.

Once discussion is concluded, the GO Team will vote.

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WHERE WE’RE GOING

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What:

During this meeting we will review the budget, which should be updated based on feedback from the staffing conference, Associate Superintendents, and key leaders. After review, GO Teams will need to take action (i.e., vote) on the FY26 Budget. 

Why:

Principals will present the final budget recommendations for GO Team approval. 

When:

All approval meetings must be held after staffing conferences. Budgets must be approved by March 14th

Our next meeting is the Budget Approval Meeting 

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WHAT’S NEXT?

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  • February
    • Cluster Superintendent Review (February 17-21)
    • HR Staffing Conferences (February 24– February 27)
  • March
    • Final GO Team Approval Meeting (AFTER your school’s Staffing Conference and BEFORE Friday, March 14th)
      • ACTION (i.e.- GO Team votes) on final budget recommendation before March 14

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DECLARE BY FEBRUARY 28!

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THANK YOU!