FY25 Budget Updates (for 3rd Budget Vote)

On Wednesday, May 29th, Kingdom East School District held the 3rd round of voting for the FY25 Budget. We are excited to announce the budget has officially passed for the 2023-2025 school year! We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who took the time out of their schedule to vote for this 3rd budget round!


Article 1: Shall the voters of the Kingdom East Unified Union School District approve the Board of School Directors to expend $47,581,455 which is the amount the Board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? (Australian Ballot)
  • PASSED 786-yes votes 748-no votes

Updated FY25 Budget Documents (for 3rd Budget Vote)

  • FY25 BUDGET PRESENTATIONS (FOR BUDGET VOTE #3)

    Click here to listen to the FY25 Budget Vote #3 Informational Meeting Recording.

    Presentation Overview: (presented 5/20/24)


    Click here to view the FY25 Finance Committee Presentation.

    Presentation Overview: (presented 4/15/24)

    • Current Situation
    • Vote Results
    • Public Feedback on Vote #2
    • Yield Bill Update
    • Proposed Timeline for Vote #3
    • Potential Tax Impacts
    • Potential Budget Reductions

  • FY25 BUDGET MATERIALS (FOR BUDGET VOTE #3)

    • Click here to view the Combined FY25 Budget Docs for Vote #3.
    • Click here to view the Kingdom East FY25  DRAFT #3  Budget as Recommended by the Finance Committee and Approved by the KESD Board.
    • Click here to view the FY25 KESD DRAFT #3 ESTIMATED Tax Rates & Tax Rate Calculations.
    • Click here to view the FY25 DRAFT #3 KESD Budget Expense Drivers.
    • Click here to view the Kingdom East School District FY25 DRAFT Budget #3 Revenue.
    • Click here to view the FY25 KESD DRAFT #3 Budget Reductions.
    • Click here to view the FY25 KESD DRAFT Budget - ESSER Funded Positions & Programs.
    • Click here to view the Informational Meeting & Budget Vote #3 Warning.
    • Click here to view the 4/17/24 School Board Special Budget Meeting Recording.
    • Click here to view the 4/15/24 Finance Committee meeting recording.

Voting Locations & Times for the May 29th Vote:

Burke, Burke Community Building, 8am - 7pm

Concord, Concord Town Hall, 10am - 7pm

Lunenburg, Lunenburg School, 10am - 7pm

Lyndon, Lyndonville Municipal Building, 10am - 7pm

Newark, Newark Town Offices, 10am - 7pm

Sheffield, Sheffield Town Offices, 10am - 7pm

Sutton, Sutton Fire Department, 8am - 7pm

Wheelock, Wheelock Town Hall, 10am - 7pm

Burke, Burke Community Building, 8am - 7pm

Concord, Concord Town Hall, 10am - 7pm

Lunenburg, Lunenburg School, 10am - 7pm

Lyndon, Lyndonville Municipal Building, 10am - 7pm

Newark, Newark Town Offices, 10am - 7pm

Sheffield, Sheffield Town Offices, 10am - 7pm

Sutton, Sutton Fire Department, 8am - 7pm

Wheelock, Wheelock Town Hall, 10am - 7pm

Please note that some voting locations have been updated. Location changes & details are included in the Revote Warning.

  • Burke, Burke Community Building, 8am - 7pm
  • Concord, Concord Town Hall, 10am - 7pm
  • Lunenburg, Lunenburg School, 10am - 7pm
  • Lyndon, Lyndonville Municipal Building, 10am - 7pm
  • Newark, Newark Town Offices, 10am - 7pm
  • Sheffield, Sheffield Town Offices, 10am - 7pm
  • Sutton, Sutton Fire Department, 8am - 7pm
  • Wheelock, Wheelock Town Hall, 10am - 7pm

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why are Professional Development funds important?

    Investing in continuous learning isn't just a contractual obligation, it's crucial for providing the best education to students. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) facilitate collaboration and growth among teachers. Just as we expect doctors to stay updated, teachers must continually improve their practice for the benefit of our children. The District is committed to comprehensive professional development aligned with our Continuous Improvement Plan, fostering teacher growth and student success.  

  • What reductions were made to the budget since the April 9th vote?

    Early Release Program:

    • Professional Services ($100,000)
    • Student Transportation ($10,000)

    Experiential Learning:

    • Supplies ($10,000)

    Staff: Includes all currently VACANT positions 

    • Instructional Assistants (4.0 FTE) ($81,637)
    • Individual Instructional Assistants (5.0 FTE ($138,799)
    • Teacher (1.0 FTE) ($79,564)

    TOTAL REDUCTIONS:  ($420,000)


  • Is there a plan to consolidate or close schools if the budget fails?

    There are currently no plans to close any District schools as part of the revised FY25 budget. If such actions as school reconfiguration or closure were to be considered, they would require a lengthy process and community-wide conversation. 

  • Does the District pay the full cost of insurance for employees?

    KESD pays 80% of the cost of insurance for full-time employees. Part-time employees pay a higher percentage based on their FTE. This is a requirement based on Statewide Bargaining.

  • How much of my property tax bill is impacted by education and the school district’s budget?

    Education is a portion of the property tax bill that households receive. Other impacts to property taxes come from town budgets. See the Vermont Department of Taxes FAQs page for more information.

  • What are the different ways I can vote?

    All voters are encouraged to participate in the revote in these ways:


    1. VOTE EARLY: Show up during business hours at your Town Office to cast your vote in advance between now and May 29th. Click here to view the Town Clerk hours for your town. 
    2. REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT: Voters can contact their Town Clerk for an absentee ballot or visit the Vermont My Voter Page.
    3. BALLOT DROP BOXES: Return your voted ballot at the secure dropbox located at your Town Office by May 29th 
    4. VOTE IN PERSON: On May 29th. Polls will be open in each community's normal voting location (voting hours are linked here). You can cast your vote in person or bring a mailed absentee ballot with you to the polls.

  • What happens if the budget fails on May 29th?

    Statutorily, KESD is allowed to borrow based on 87% of our FY24 Approved Budget ($41,069,545 x 87% = $35,730,504) via tax anticipation borrowing.  The actual amount we can borrow is based on our largest monthly deficit in FY24 plus 5%.  At the same time, we will continue to bring forward budget DRAFTs to obtain an approved budget.

  • Can I lower my tax rate?

     Yes! Homestead owners can pay a lower rate by receiving a property tax credit based on household income (below $128,000 for 2023) and home value. To apply for a tax reduction, contact the Vermont Department of Taxes at www.tax.vermont.gov/property/tax-credit

FY25 Budget Vote Results (Round 2)

Article 1: Shall the voters of the Kingdom East Unified Union School District approve the Board of School Directors to expend $48,001,455 which is the amount the Board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? (Australian Ballot) 

  • FAILED 318-yes votes 652-no votes

How Education Tax Rates are Calculated

Budget News & Updates

UPDATED-Impact of KESD ESTIMATED Monthly Tax Rate Increase FY25 to FY26

By Amanda Pike • February 21, 2025
Impact of KESD ESTIMATED Monthly Tax Rate Increase FY25 to FY26

FY26 Kingdom East School District Proposed Budget Mailer

February 19, 2025
FY26 Kingdom East School District Proposed Budget Mailer

2025 Kingdom East School District Annual Report

February 17, 2025
2025 Kingdom East School District Annual Report

VT Property Tax Credit

February 17, 2025
Did you know that the Vermont Property Tax Credit assists many Vermont homeowners with paying their property taxes?
Show More

FY25 Budget Documents (for 2nd Budget Vote)

  • FY25 BUDGET DOCS (FOR BUDGET VOTE #2)

    • Click here to listen to the informational meeting recording.
    • Click here to view the KESD FY25 Revenue & Budget DRAFT #2. (Budget recommended by the Finance Committee & Approved by the Board).
    • Click here to view the KESD ESTIMATED #2 Tax Rates Charts for FY25.
    • Click here to view the  Overview of Budget Reductions for Revote.
    • Click here to view the KESD Tax Rates Since Merger.
    • Click here to view the Tax Impact Overview. 

FY25 Budget Documents (for 1st Budget Vote)

Kingdom East School District Strategic

Priorities & Action Steps

Kingdom East School District Strategic Priorities & Action Steps

Kingdom East School District Strategic Priorities & Action Steps

PRIORITY #1

Robust Academics for All Students

  • Access to quality Pre-K services for all children within the district.
  • Curriculum, instruction, and assessment are designed with a focus on content rigor, student engagement, and continuous improvement of academic achievement.
  • Curriculum, instruction, and assessment result in continuous improvement of academic achievement.
  • High quality faculty and consistent and quality professional development.
  • Resources, availability and consistent training and use of technology to improve student learning


PROCESS PRIORITY #2
Character Development & Strong
Social & Emotional Health for Students
  • Personalized Learning
  • Positive school culture and environment
  • Employee Self Care and Wellness
  • Quality facilities that promote a positive school culture
  • Active and equitable co-curricular participation
  • Active and equitable student health and wellness participation


PRIORITY #3
Maintain & Build Strong
Community Connections
  • Develop and maintain regular and routine engagement activities - school and parents/community
  • Develop and maintain regular and routine engagement activities - board and community
  • Develop and maintain regular service learning/volunteer and civics participation of students in the local community
  • Facilitate routine community events and use of the school and volunteer opportunities within the school


PRIORITY #4
Assure Effective & Efficient
Management of Resources
  • Transparency and fiscal responsibility when building budgets
  • Budget reflects equitable access and results focus from Priority #1 Robust Academics for All Students
  • Budget reflects equitable access and results focus from Priority #2 - Character Development and Strong Social and Emotional Health for students
  • Budget reflects a facilities plan which addresses Priority 1-3


PRIORITY #1 Robust Academics for All Students

  • Access to quality Pre-K services for all children within the district.
  • Curriculum, instruction, and assessment are designed with a focus on content rigor, student engagement, and continuous improvement of academic achievement.
  • Curriculum, instruction, and assessment result in continuous improvement of academic achievement.
  • High quality faculty and consistent and quality professional development.
  • Resources, availability and consistent training and use of technology to improve student learning


PROCESS PRIORITY #2 Character Development and Strong Social and Emotional Health for Students
  • Personalized Learning
  • Positive school culture and environment
  • Employee Self Care and Wellness
  • Quality facilities that promote a positive school culture
  • Active and equitable co-curricular participation
  • Active and equitable student health and wellness participation


PRIORITY #3 Maintain and Build Strong Community Connections
  • Develop and maintain regular and routine engagement activities - school and parents/community
  • Develop and maintain regular and routine engagement activities - board and community
  • Develop and maintain regular service learning/volunteer and civics participation of students in the local community
  • Facilitate routine community events and use of the school and volunteer opportunities within the school


PRIORITY #4 Assure Effective and Efficient Management of Resources
  • Transparency and fiscal responsibility when building budgets
  • Budget reflects equitable access and results focus from Priority #1 Robust Academics for All Students
  • Budget reflects equitable access and results focus from Priority #2 - Character Development and Strong Social and Emotional Health for students
  • Budget reflects a facilities plan which addresses Priority 1-3


Finance Committee Meeting Minutes & Agendas

KESD Finance Committee Meeting February 17, 2025

By Serena Parker • February 13, 2025
Agenda for KESD Finance Committee January 17, 2025

KESD Finance Committee Meeting January 6, 2025

By Serena Parker • January 2, 2025
Agenda for KESD Finance Committee January 6, 2025

KESD Finance Committee Meeting December 16, 2024

By Serena Parker • December 11, 2024
Agenda for KESD Finance Committee December 16, 2024

KESD Finance Committee Meeting December 9, 2024

By Serena Parker • December 4, 2024
Agenda for KESD Finance Committee December 9, 2024
Show More
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