Budget Timeline
The budget preparation starts in October, using the certified enrollment data from the first of the month. This data determines the district’s property tax and state aid for the next fiscal year, starting from July 1. The certified budget sets the levies, tax rates, and expected maximum spending for each fund. If necessary, these spending amounts can be adjusted during the year. In December, the district receives assessed valuations from Story County auditors. The budget has a deadline to be certified by April 30.
Key Elements and Dates in the Budget Process:
October 1: Certified Enrollment Count Day
October 15: Certified Enrollment Report due to the State
November 1: Special Education Enrollment Count
December: Assessed Valuations received from Story County auditors
January: Budget forms received from the Iowa Department of Management
February: Superintendent and CFO Prepare Preliminary Budget
February/March: Building Principals engaged in budget process
March 15: Budget data due to the Department of Management
March 20: Taxpayer Statements mailed by County Auditor
March 30 – April 10: PublicHearing on Taxpayer (only item on the Board Agenda)
March/April: Board of Education sets the budget hearing date for April and received a preliminary review of the proposed budget from Superintendent and CFO
March/April: Public engaged in budget process
April: Board of Education conducts a public hearing to certify the Budget
April 30: Deadline to certify Budget
1st Board Meeting in May: Regular board meeting conducted, and date is set for budget amendment hearing, if necessary
2nd Board Meeting in May: Board of Education conducts its budget amendment hearing and amendment documents are sent to the county auditor, if necessary
July 15: Business office begins distribution of electronic budget worksheets to building administrations
July 31: Building administrators will submit electronic budget worksheets
August: Building budgets will be entered into the district accounting system. Department non-salary budgets entered into district accounting system
Oct.-Nov.: Final line-item budgets entered into the district accounting system