The School City of Mishawaka's Board of Education made significant financial decisions during their meeting on May 7, 2025, aimed at maintaining budgetary stability and addressing operational challenges.

The board approved the financial report for March 2025, which highlighted a positive trend in the education fund, now totaling $9,802,142 and remaining within budget at approximately 25% of its allocated amount. However, the Referendum Operating Fund has decreased to $1,581,356, reflecting the spending of carryover funds, yet it remains on track at 23% of its budget. The operations fund reported a negative balance of $422,845, attributed to efforts to comply with the Department of Education's recommendation to limit education to operations transfers to 15%. The board is exploring strategies to improve this situation by June when tax revenues are expected to provide relief.

Additionally, the board discussed the necessity of transferring funds from the education to operations fund, exceeding the recommended limit to 18.11% in 2024. This transfer is essential due to the impact of the circuit breaker, which significantly reduces available operational funds. The board plans to send a detailed explanation to state officials, including comparisons with other districts, to justify the transfer and highlight the financial constraints faced by Mishawaka.

Overall, the board's decisions reflect a proactive approach to managing the district's finances while ensuring that educational resources remain available for students. As the district prepares for upcoming tax revenue, the focus will remain on balancing the budget and addressing operational needs effectively.