District Reports High Fund Balance Due to COVID Funds and Unfilled Positions

The RSU 22 Budget Workshop Meeting held on May 14, 2025, focused on the district's significant fund balance and the implications of local funding support for the upcoming budget. Key discussions highlighted the reasons behind the high fund balance, which include substantial federal COVID-19 funding, unfilled positions, and hiring challenges.

During the meeting, officials explained that the district had received considerable federal funds, which contributed to the surplus. Additionally, there were unfilled positions, particularly in special education, and some roles were filled by less experienced staff, leading to budgetary savings. These factors combined have resulted in a significant amount of money rolling over into the current budget.

The conversation also touched on the district's efforts to address staffing needs, noting a reduction in unfilled positions from 11 educational technicians to 4. However, hiring remains a challenge, reflecting broader trends in the job market.

Another important topic was the potential for large transfers into reserve accounts. Officials indicated that projections for the budget meeting would reflect previously agreed allocations for technology and special education reserves, but no new large transfers were anticipated.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the impact of local funding support, specifically regarding the assessment for 2025. Officials agreed to create a hypothetical chart to illustrate the effects of different funding offsets, which could help the public better understand the financial decisions made by the district.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of managing the budget amid fluctuating funding sources and staffing challenges, while also emphasizing the importance of clear communication with the community regarding financial decisions.