2018-2019 Budget

Any discussion of the Appleton Area School District’s budget for 2018-2019 must begin by recognizing the support of the community through the successful referendum that occurred in February 2014. 

The referendum approved funding allows for continued significant improvements to the school buildings and the available technology in the District.  Below is a list containing some of the many projects that were completed during the 2017-2018 budget year.  

Remodeled classrooms at multiple buildings including Appleton Bilingual School, Classical, Columbus, East, Einstein, Lincoln, and McKinley. 

Expanded our 1-to-1 Chromebook initiative to all students in grades 7 through 12.  Also, increased the number of Chromebooks available at the elementary level.

Replaced a total of 1,352 desktops across the District, including 352 desktops in Technical Education classrooms.  

Building entrance/office relocation at Highlands Elementary to improve security.  In addition, several small renovation projects were completed at Ferber, McKinley, and the Leadership Center.    
Playground replacement at Highlands and track replacement at North.    

Completed maintenance projects involving roofs, HVAC, lighting, electrical service, and bathrooms at multiple schools including East, Ferber, Houdini, Horizons, and Morgan.

Remodeled and/or upgrade equipment in auditorium at Einstein and Madison.  

The District also continues to focus on window replacements, as this increases comfort and energy efficiency in our buildings.  Windows were replaced at: Highlands, Huntley, Lincoln, McKinley, West, and Wilson. 

Installed additional security cameras at all District schools.  

Presented here is the 2018-2019 fiscal year budget for the Appleton Area School District. The total budget for all funds less inter-fund transfers is $213,248,828.

This budget proposal has been prepared using the best information available and will be reworked when new information is received. It is expected that revisions will be few and minor. 

Budget/Program Highlights for 2018-2019

The District is continuing to work toward culturally responsive, safe and welcoming school environments using effective instructional practices.

Middle and high schools continue to transition to standards-based curriculum, and the utilization of Canvas as a student learning management system. 

The District piloted the use of a Weighted Student Funding model when adding support staff (Deans and Social Workers) for the 2018-2019 school year. 

The District utilized a defeasance process during 2017-2018 to pay down our long-term debt.  The process saved the District approximately $465,000 in future interest.  Our projection is to again utilize a defeasance process this budget year.  

Tax rate is projected to decrease from $8.78 per $1,000 of equalized valuation to $8.68 per $1,000 of equalized valuation.  

In 2018-2019 there will be a minimal increase to the Revenue Limit as determined by the state of Wisconsin.  

The District’s Equalized Property Value is projected to increase by 1%.

Our Per Pupil Categorical Aid will increase by $204 per member student this year, for a total of $3,080,808 in additional aid.

The District has committed an additional $260,000 to fund afterschool programs, and $140,000 to further support our School Resource Officer program.

Committed approximately $450,000 to increasing staffing to better meet the needs of our students.

Compensation increases for 2018-2019 were modest for all staff, with all employee groups seeing a 2.11% average increase.  

The District continues to explore options to reduce the cost of employee benefits, specifically health insurance.

2018-19 Proposed Budget