Finances
2023-2024 Annual Report
Williston Basin School District #7 remained committed to responsible, stable, and transparent financial management, aligned with our Mission and Vision. Supporting student growth and success was the cornerstone of our financial priorities, and the district stayed on budget for the 2023-2024 school year.
To ensure accessibility, the District posted financial reports on our website after they were presented at school board meetings, providing the community with regular access to up-to-date financial information.
Revenue
Revenue for the 2023-2024 school year totaled $75,006,029, sourced from state, local, county, and federal contributions.
Our district’s revenue is sourced from a balanced mix of funding streams, ensuring we can effectively support our schools and students. State funding is the primary source, accounting for 52.2% of our total revenue, followed by local contributions at 30.5%.
Additional support comes from County/Oil & Gas funding, which provides 8.3%, and federal funding, contributing 9.0%. This diverse revenue structure enables us to maintain financial stability while investing in essential programs and resources for our students.
Expenses
The District’s total expenses for the year amounted to $74,335,364, with the majority of funding directed toward salaries and benefits to support our dedicated staff.
Combined, salaries and benefits accounted for $54.2 million, or approximately 73% of total expenditures, underscoring our commitment to attracting and retaining quality educators.
Instructional expenses followed at $6.4 million, highlighting our focus on delivering high-quality education. General administration costs were $4.9 million, while operations and maintenance accounted for $2.7 million, ensuring that our facilities remain safe and well-maintained. Transportation expenses totaled $3.2 million, supporting student accessibility and transportation needs.
Lastly, activities, including both program costs and payroll, amounted to $1.3 million, providing students with enriching extracurricular opportunities.
This allocation of funds reflects the district’s dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment through well-planned resource management.
Capital Projects & Financial Highlights
This year, we made significant investments in infrastructure and strategic projects that align with our commitment to supporting student success and district growth. Key projects included the construction of new facilities, modernization of existing campuses, and enhanced technology resources.
These initiatives are part of our broader financial strategy to ensure our schools are equipped to meet current and future needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Through careful planning and effective resource allocation, we continue to prioritize meaningful investments in our district's future.
Through strategic financial management and community support, we’ve made notable progress on several key initiatives this year:
1. Completion of the Williston Basin CTE Center and Del Easton Alternative School Building
The Williston Basin CTE Center and Del Easton Alternative High School Building was set to open on the first day of school, August 21, 2024. Designed to prepare students for success in emerging careers, the CTE Center is positioned as a regional hub for educational excellence, featuring cutting-edge facilities and forward-thinking programs.
This project was made possible by a grant from the North Dakota CTE Capital Projects Fund, along with matching donations from generous community partners.
The construction budget for the CTE project was set at $22,364,929, with total funding sources available amounting to $23,917,815. Construction was completed within budget. The difference between the construction budget and available funds was designated for purchasing equipment for the CTE Center.
The CTE Center offers the following program clusters to prepare students for a range of high-demand careers:
Agriculture
Automotive & Diesel Technology
Aviation Technology
Business Education
Construction & Building Systems
Energy & Petroleum
Family & Consumer Science
Health Science
Information Technology
Marketing
Technology & Engineering
Welding
Additionally, the Del Easton Alternative School has been relocated to the new CTE building, previously situated off-site due to space limitations. This move brings Del Easton closer to district resources and students, providing a more supportive and integrated learning environment.
2. Best in Class Grant for Pre-K Program
We secured a Best in Class Grant, providing $240,000 in essential funding to offer our Future Coyotes Pre-K program and enhance early education opportunities at no cost to families. This grant supported two classrooms, covering 0.75 FTE of the teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as required materials for each classroom. To ensure equitable access, 50% of the enrolled students must either have a disability or come from families with an annual income of $31,800 (60% SMI) or less.
3. 2024 School Bond Referendum
In April 2024, voters approved a $35 million bond referendum with a 66% approval rate to support the construction of a new elementary school, addressing our district's continued enrollment growth and need for additional space. The total project cost for the new elementary school is estimated at $55 million, with the district contributing $20 million (36%) from District Building Funds. The new school, located at 1316 33rd St W in Williston Square, will serve students in PreK through Grade 5, featuring specialized facilities such as a Special Education Suite, gymnasiums, a STEAM lab, and music rooms.
The groundbreaking for the new elementary school is scheduled for late September to early October 2024, with the school set to open in fall 2026. When the new school opens, all 5th-grade students will be housed in elementary schools instead of Williston Middle School Central Campus, providing a better age-appropriate learning environment for students.
This project represents a vital step in meeting our district’s growth needs while supporting educational opportunities for future generations.
