The 2022 spending plan for Hamilton Southeaster Schools, adding all funds, will total $268.8 million, up from $259.25 million in 2021.  The largest pot of money is the education fund, provided by the state in its funding formula for local schools, totaling more than $150 million.  The education fund provides salaries.

The referendum fund is expected to yield more than $23.799 million.  $41.3 million dollars will go toward paying the district’s debt service.

The public hearing on the budget brought a number of comments and questions, including  difficulty finding budget details on the HSE Schools Web site, how referendum salary funds are being spent and how the Lilly grant will be handled once it expires.

School officials say the Lilly grant was to last 4 years, but was extended into a 5th year due to the pandemic.  The grant funds the Diversity & Equity position and the Panorama survey.  The board will need to decide whether to continue those programs by funding them within the school’s budget or end the programs at a later date.

A final vote on the 2022 HSE Schools budget is set for October 27