Sedona-Oak Creek School District Greenlights Massive $8M Budget Boost

The Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board has passed an $8.015 million budget for the 2024-25 school year. This decision, made during the July 9 meeting, sees a 10% reduction from the previous $8.9 million budget, primarily due to a decrease in student enrollment.

Stacey Saravo, the SOCSD finance director, noted a projected decline in student numbers by 53. The district had 716 students at the close of the 2023-24 school year, 97 of whom were graduating seniors. Superintendent Tom Swaninger anticipates about 30 new kindergarteners joining.

The board approved an average base level support per student increase from $4,914.71 to $5,013. Teacher salaries will see a 3% rise, with an increase of $1,857 from the previous $53,988 average, excluding performance bonuses.

Classroom site funds will be allocated at $9,250 per full-time teacher or counselor. Payments are distributed in December, May, and June, with the latter being performance-based. The governing board will discuss further teacher retention stipends in August.

Despite budget cuts, a two-step salary increase for all staff was implemented. The board also sanctioned a 2% salary hike for Superintendent Swaninger, bringing his annual pay to $132,600, aligning with inflation adjustments for administrators.

Additionally, the board will maintain a 5% budget carryover. Updates on bond debt service revealed a principal balance of $16.27 million as of June 30, 2023, with total payments in 2023 amounting to $4.86 million. The final payment is scheduled for July 1, 2028.

Changes in student fees include a $10 rise in parking fees to $75, while athletic and Advanced Placement course fees remain unchanged. Varsity coaches received a 4% stipend increase, with head coaches earning $4,189 and assistants $2,205.

Bus routes may be consolidated due to a shortage of drivers and custodians. SOCSD offers a bus driver position, with added janitorial duties, starting at $18 per hour, rising to $21 post-training. The district is also investing in a new bus each year.

Big Park Community School

Repairs to the former Big Park Community School’s roof are excluded from the district’s maintenance budget. The responsibility is assumed to fall on the future buyer. A proposal for Yavapai County to purchase the school via lease-to-buy was not realized. Voters will decide in November whether to permit the district to sell the property to a third party if an offer is made.

Superintendent Swaninger plans a forum with Village of Oak Creek residents in September to discuss this proposal.