Board Approves FY27 Budget Focused on Students, Staff, and Long-Term Stability

The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District Board of Education has approved the District's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, balancing continued investments in students and staff with the financial realities facing public schools across Missouri.

While the budget continues MRH's commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities, it also reflects growing financial pressures. District leaders are preparing for the likelihood of flat state funding, potential reductions in federal education funding, rising healthcare costs, inflation, and increasing costs for insurance, utilities, and day-to-day operations.

A significant priority in the FY27 budget is investing in employees. The budget includes the second year of the District's two-year compensation plan, with teachers receiving base salary increases of 6% to 9%, depending on education level, along with step increases. Support staff will receive a 2.25% salary increase plus step movement, while administrators will receive a 3% salary adjustment. These investments are designed to help MRH remain competitive in attracting and retaining outstanding employees.

To help fund these investments, the District will intentionally reduce operating fund balances from approximately 44% at the close of FY26 to an estimated 31.4% during FY27. District officials emphasized that this planned use of reserves supports employee compensation while also accounting for one-time expenditures associated with electric bus funding received last year.

The budget also continues strategic investments in teaching and learning. Resources have been allocated to strengthen literacy instruction, support curriculum improvements, expand professional development opportunities, and maintain technology and assessment tools that help students succeed. Several competitive grants will help offset costs for curriculum implementation and staff training, allowing the District to enhance programming while limiting the impact on local taxpayers.

Meanwhile, voter-approved bond funding will support major facility improvements throughout the District, including renovations to the middle/high school track and field complex, building maintenance projects, parking lot improvements, HVAC upgrades, and other infrastructure needs. Because these projects are funded through the 2025 bond issue, they do not draw from the District's operating budget.

Approximately 87% of MRH's operating revenue comes from local sources, primarily property taxes. District leaders note that state funding limitations and Missouri's property tax laws continue to restrict revenue growth, making careful long-term financial planning increasingly important.

The FY27 budget reflects the District's continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship while ensuring students continue to benefit from high-quality instruction, outstanding educators, and safe, well-maintained schools.