Onalaska school district going over budget

Superintendent believes district is in good shape

The budget process for the Onalaska School District has begun. The district held a meeting this week specifically designed to the subject, and Superintendent Fran Finco says the district is in a healthy place.

“We operated on a balanced budget this year when there was no new money from the legislature,” Finco said. “We grew 39 resident students, which was the first time in years that we had a double-digit increase. We continue to be the district of choice with 400 new open-enrollment students.”

There is an $8 million price tag for projects that need to be completed in the Onalaska school district. 

Finance director Kent Ellickson says it can cut that down significantly by doing only those that need immediate attention. Ellickson mentioned one concern is a large hike in health insurance rates.

“About 70 percent of the participants – that would be the active employees and the retirees –  participate in the Gundersen health plan.The initial increase they were offering us for maintaining the plan was almost 16 percent.”

Ellickson also says the board needs to decide about staffing levels and the state’s funding formula still holds them back.