The spending and revenue plan for next year rests on a tax increase of 1.45%, lower than the state-mandated cap of 2%. As a people-powered organization, human resources make up 80% of the District’s budget for day-to-day operating costs. Those humans are also the heart and soul of the educational program, and Ramsey staff is second to none.

Administrators and Board members tried to find creative cost decreases to balance the inevitable increases. Technology costs will rise with a deliberate choice to invest in cybersecurity measures.

The District also embarked on two initiatives to cut energy costs for the 2022-23 school year and many years to come. Those are the state’s Energy Savings Improvement Program to make efficiency upgrades and pay for them with the savings, and the installation of solar panels at all schools to acquire our electricity needs from solar power. The District is acting now to save money in the long run.

Staff and curriculum support are important investments in the educational program, but the Board is always careful to protect the community’s investment in its school buildings. The budget makes room for air conditioning expansions, restroom renovations, and RHS vestibule renovations. All building investments are included in the operating budget and remain separate from the bond-funded improvements that voters approved in 2018.

About three-quarters of the bond-funded work is complete, and students are reaping the benefits every day: science labs well suited for today’s needs, music rooms that are appropriately sized, and spacious classrooms for all-day kindergarten. The Ramsey community will celebrate the near completion of all construction this fall with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the Fitness Center. To learn the details, stay tuned to Ramsey’s social media accounts.