The Hastings School Board unanimously passed the 2023-24 budget at its meeting June 28.

The local property tax levy with property taxes paid in the district in 2023 accounts for $19,103,676 of budgeted revenue, an increase of 9.03 percent or $1,582,169 from the property tax levy for the 2023-24 school year. That includes operating levy funding and building bonds that have been approved by voters in 2013 and 2017.

Total general fund expenses in the spending plan are $64,293,470.20.

Enrollment in the district is projected to be 4,468 for the 2023-24 school year, down 14 students from last year.

The Minnesota Legislature voted school districts a 4 percent increase in per pupil aid at its spring session, which will amount to an additional $1,014,294.

“Overall for our district that amounted to a little over $1 million,” Director of Business Jen Seubert told school board members.

Revenue from local taxes is up because of inflation, mainly, she said.

“The major contributing factors were the inflationary adjustment, both current year and prior year,” said Seubert.

In addition, the district is also getting an additional $2.2 million in special education aid from the state after legislature action.

On the expenditure side, salary and benefits will increase $3,732,538 for the districts 306.2 full-time employees. Transportation costs are projected to increase $811,545, and utilities are budgeted up $162,933.

Seubert said state law requires that school districts pass a budget by June 30 each year. Once the school year starts and actual students and staffing numbers are done, an adjusted budget will be reviewed by the board.

The district’s downward enrollment trend is expected to continue. In 2018-19, the district had 4,779 students, 6.5 percent more than now. By 2027-28, enrollment is projected to drop to 4,088 students.

Of the revenue in the budget, 73.71 percent comes from state aid, with 17.88 coming from local property taxes.

On the expense side, salaries and wages make up 55.56 percent of the budget, with employee benefits accounting for another 25.4 percent. Purchased services are 15.75 percent of the budget, with supplies and materials making up 2.57 percent of expenses.

In other school board business, after discussion, the board passed a resolution establishing dates for filing affidavits of candidacy.

There will be four school board seats on the Nov. 7 ballot. Holding those seats now are board chair Lisa Hedin, vice chair Stephanie Malm and directors Becky Beissel and Brian Davis.

Terms are for four years.

Candidates can file affidavits of candidacy for the office of board member of Independent School District No. 200 starting on Aug. 1. Filing closes at 5 p.m. Aug. 15.

Affidavits of candidacy are available from school district administrative office at 1000 W. 11^th St. Filing fee is $2. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age on assuming office and have been a resident of the school district for 30 prior to the election.