Maplewood Richmond Heights schools project $2.06M budget gap, seek community input

MAPLEWOOD, Mo. (First Alert 4) — The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District expects to spend about $2.06 million more than it collects in the 2026-27 school year and is asking the community to help set spending priorities.

The district is holding a community conversation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Research & Design Center, 7500 Lohmeyer Ave. No cuts have been decided. It has already hosted two prior community conversations. The next meeting will be held Dec. 1.

What is driving the gap

Assistant Superintendent Chris McGee said a shift in federal and state funding and local factors, such as the senior tax freeze, are reducing revenue. Costs are rising at the same time. MRH district employee health insurance has increased almost 16%, according to McGee.

“That has been a tremendous number, and it continues to skyrocket,” he said.

Salaries, vendor contracts and software services also have increased.

The district is covering the difference with savings known as the operating fund balance, according to its newsletter. Without changes, the district says those savings could fall below a healthy reserve level within two years.

What could change

First Alert 4 couldn’t pin McGee to a clear answer of whether class sizes and programs could be reduced. He says the district is in the collecting phase, by engaging with the community, to help formulate the district’s plan.

“Class sizes, student programs are what make MRH, MRH,” he said.

Any change would require community discussion, he said.

It’s not clear when the district’s savings would run out. But McGee told First Alert 4 he does not expect families and students to be affected right now.

“Families should not be worried. Families should be engaged,” he said.

The district is reviewing local tax collections, state revenue and grants. McGee said grants often are one-time funding. He said he does not know whether a levy will go on the ballot and that a levy “can’t be handled lightly.”

Timeline and participation

McGee said the district will begin examining its expenses for the next fiscal year during the second semester, in January through March.

As for the community conversations, McGee says it’s a dialogue, not a presentation, and there is no virtual option. Topics include where district money goes and which priorities to protect. The district is also creating a survey to send to its families and residents.

More financial information is in the Business & Finance section of the district’s website.

Regional challenge

Funding for public education is difficult nationwide. The St. Louis Public Schools board is considering its own major plan Tuesday. “We are not special. We’re not unique,” McGee said.

McGee said Webster Groves held community conversations and a survey before its board put a tax levy on the ballot. He said that “may be the future. We don’t know.”