District releases video addressing 23-24 proposed budget; seeks patron comments ahead of June 29th meeting

Grain Valley Schools released a video Wednesday outlining the district's proposed 23-24 budget in advance of their June meeting. In the 13-minute video (embedded below and link provided at end of story), Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle outlines income sources and priorities in expenditures for the coming year. 

Welle shared a similar presentation to the members of the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce during their June luncheon meeting on Tuesday at the district's new Leadership Center. 

The district served 4,475 students in 2022-23, a slight decrease compared to the previous school year and a continued slowing trend in terms of growth in the district. The $54,203,723 proposed budget currently shows a shortfall of $656,726, mainly due to revenue numbers that are unknown at this time (i.e. new construction numbers that will be known in late summer). 

Compared to neighboring districts (Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, and Independence) and metro districts that closely resemble Grain Valley in terms of size (Belton, Fort Osage, Platte County, and Kearney), Grain Valley's tax levy rate ($4.9271 in 2022) is near the bottom, with only Kearney having a lower tax levy rate. Grain Valley's assessed valuation per student ($89,765) ranks near the bottom as well. 

In an attempt to remain competitive with neighboring districts, the district is proposing an increase in the certified staff budget of $606,191 to raise the base teacher salary to $40,000. Additionally, increases in non-certified staff, administration, and substitute teacher pay are also proposed to attempt to keep these positions competitive with other districts.

Student attendance rates are one of the concerns that may impact revenue in future years, with a potential loss of $200,000 if average daily attendance numbers (ADA) do not improve. ESSER funding (COVID relief funding) expires in FY24, creating a budget revenue loss in FY25 of $800,000 for the district. Welle also pointed to increased needs in academic and behavioral needs of students, challenges related to labor shortages and remaining competitive in terms of pay, and increased costs of health benefits as challenges for the district moving forward.

Patrons are invited to share feedback by June 12th via email ([email protected]) regarding the 2023-2024 budget in advance of the board's meeting to finalize the budget on June 29th at 6:00pm. 

Link to video: 23 - 24 Proposed Budget - YouTube