On June 26, the Roaring Fork School District approved an $83.3 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year, just days before Dr. Anna Cole officially begins her role as superintendent. She has served as superintendent on an interim basis since October.
The majority of the funds went towards staff salaries and benefits, while about $5.5 million was set aside for other expenses.
Most of that money went to giving school district employees a 6.25% raise totaling $3.9 million, while management received a 5.25% raise.
Other investments include $211,000 towards staff support for newly resettled students.
From April 2023 to April 2024, the district enrolled 178 students who arrived in the U.S. within the past 12 months.
Districts say the money could be used to hire paraprofessionals and certified teachers to support newly relocated students, depending on the needs of the schools and students the new staff will serve.
Another $200,000 will be dedicated to supporting existing mental health programs, such as placing clinicians in schools.
Administrators are exploring new and diverse ways to fund these programs in the future, including requesting additional funds from local governments.
The remaining $145,000 in the budget will fund a review of the district’s special education programs and an equity audit, both of which are expected to be completed this year.
