The Wilmington City School District’s Board of Education held a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024 for a Board Work Session to discuss school fees, extra-curricular fees, and potential cuts for the 2024–25 school year. The district has placed a 1% Earned Income Tax levy on the March 19, 2024 ballot to support current expenses and ongoing permanent improvements. Earned Income Tax does not tax retirement income, interest, dividends, capital gains, or social security.
The Board was in agreement that regardless of the levy result in March, the Preschool will be moved from East End to Holmes Elementary. The move will allow the district to sell the 100+ year old building and property, saving approximately $100,000 annually in operational costs. The move is also in line with research showing that it eases the transition to Kindergarten when a preschool is housed in the same building as Kindergarten.
Additionally, the Board is working on a resolution to implement the following beginning with the 2024-25 school year to address the annual deficit if there is no new tax passed in March 2024.
No transportation will be provided for 9th–12th grade students.
School Fees as follows: K–5th: $35/student; 6th–8th: $100/student; 9th–12th: course dependent (minimum $100/student).
Extracurricular Fees as follows: 9th–12th: $250 per season per student (maximum $500 per student); 7th–8th: $200 per season per student (maximum amount $400 per student).
Each year the district adjusts staffing levels based on enrollment, class sizes, and state/federal requirements for serving students with disabilities.
If the levy passes in March 2024, the 1% Earned Income Tax would start on January 1, 2025. The District would utilize carryover funds until receiving income tax in April 2025, thus avoiding implemented fees and reductions outlined above. If the levy fails, the District will implement the above plan beginning with the 2024–25 school year to address the average annual deficit of $4.7 million.
The district provides facts, financial information, and FAQs on their website at wilmingtoncityschools.com/levy or you can contact the WCS Treasurer’s Office at (937) 382-1641.