Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka presented a budget plan Monday, Nov. 9, aimed at closing a spending gap and preparing the district to rebuild its financial reserves.
Mainka outlined the Budget Alignment Plan during a Joint Finance and Capital Projects Committee of the Whole meeting at the Educational Services Building, according to draft meeting minutes.
The plan seeks to bring ongoing spending into balance with regular income within 12 months, narrow or close the remaining 2026-27 shortfall and prepare the district to increase its reserves in 2027-28.
The minutes describe plans for stakeholder input and board and public monitoring. They do not specify the shortfall’s dollar amount, identify spending reductions or record a vote approving the plan.
Mainka and Rebecca Scicluna, assistant superintendent of business and operations, also discussed the district’s financial challenges and involving stakeholders in the response.
The presentation follows the board’s August approval of teacher buyout offers for employees in the union’s highest three pay grades, MLive reported.
Joey Winterstein of Yeo & Yeo delivered an audit presentation at the Nov. 9 meeting. The draft minutes contain inconsistent references to the fiscal year covered by the audit.
Kevin Donnelly and Greg VanKirk of Plante Moran Realpoint reviewed completed and ongoing bond projects, the schedule for awarding bids and market conditions. A more detailed presentation is planned for the Dec. 10 regular board meeting.
Five board members attended: President Danielle Ruskin, Secretary Paul Cook, Treasurer Jamie Kliebert and trustees Jason Michener and Mary Ann Roney. Vice President Betsy Beaudoin and Trustee Willy Mena were absent.
No audience members spoke during public comment. The meeting ended at 5:25 p.m.
