The Hamilton School District’s proposed 3.83 percent budget increase for 2014-2015 was approved at a school board meeting on Oct. 20.
The $55,026,252 budget includes a mil rate of 9.76 per $1,000 equalized valuation, which is 44 cents lower than last year. The mil rate is also 52 cents lower than what board members originally estimated during the board meeting in summer.
Board members said that state aid has increased by 1.69 percent, contributing to the reduced mil rate. The budget’s net tax levy has increased to $29.46 million which is paid by local taxpayers.
Student enrollment at Hamilton School District for 2014-2015 school year is at an all-time high, and this partly contributes to the overall budget increase, according to John Roubik, director of educational services and human resources.
“There are no open enrollment seats for next year because we have 32 more students enrolled in the district for this school year,” said Roubik. “Many other districts have more open enrollment seats because their overall district enrollment is decreasing, but Hamilton’s is increasing.”
Roubik also said that the number of seats available for students to enroll through Chapter 220 remains at 110, a number they’ve maintained for years. Chapter 220 is a fully state-funded voluntary program which brings MPS students suburban schools. The concept of open enrollment involves allowing children not living in the district area to enroll.
Other news announced at the meeting includes:
Revised Woodside Elementary School Site Plan suggests using 2014 MAP scores to help more students meet or exceed reading and math projected growth target scores
• Building renovations completed in summer saved $10,000 in labor costs (which included mural replacement, bathroom renovation, locker replacements, and HVAC inspections)
•19 high school students enrolled for the Youth Options Program which allows incoming juniors and seniors to take college classes (i.e. WCTC, MATC, Carroll University, UW Milwaukee)
•800 students attended the 2014 Hamilton High School homecoming
•Hamilton High School’s underclassman will help with senior citizen breakfast hosted on Nov 20
