The revised Waterloo school budget for the 2023-24 academic year was narrowly rejected for a second time by voters on Tuesday. By a margin of just one vote, 296-295, the budget proposal, which included a slightly lower tax levy than the previously defeated budget, failed to secure approval.
Following last month’s budget proposal rejection by eight votes, this second defeat illustrates ongoing voter resistance to the proposed financial plan. The school board is slated to meet on Thursday to discuss, among other items, a contract extension and salary increase for Superintendent of Schools Terri Bavis and Business Manager Joanne Slauson, as well as a salary increase for Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Hayden.
The twice-defeated budget is expected to be a point of discussion.
Given these outcomes, the possibility of moving towards a contingency budget looms. This would likely impact extracurricular activities, potentially curtailing athletics among other programs. The implications of this decision underscore the need for further negotiations on the school’s budget planning.
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