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District officials say state budget delay makes planning difficult; first draft of 2026–27 budget begins in October
Summary
District business officials told the board they still do not have a state budget for the 2025–26 year and that the lack of a timely state spending plan makes local fiscal decisions harder. The district will start 2026–27 budget development in October and present a first draft in November.
District business officials told the Southern York County School District Board of Education on Sept. 17 that the state had not yet passed the 2025–26 budget, and that budgetary uncertainty makes district decision-making difficult.
Why it matters: Timely state funding decisions determine staffing, specialized program funding and the district’s ability to plan for the school year. Local officials said the unpredictability complicates use of specialized funding streams and the district’s own budget-development calendar.
Sue Green, the district business official who briefed the board, said the district has seen news reports suggesting a budget could be near but that “we’ve really seen nothing yet.” Green said the district will begin 2026–27 budget development in early October, meet with administrative teams and present a first draft at the November board meeting. She stressed the district’s preference for timeliness so local budgets and program decisions can be made.
Board members recalled a prior multi-month budget impasse and urged state lawmakers to act. No district action requiring state funds was taken at the meeting; the board’s treasurer presented monthly financial reports and motions to approve bills and exonerations proceeded as normal.
Next steps: The district will proceed with internal budget development and adjust plans when the state budget is finalized.
