Board adopts FY26 budget, adds middle-school wrestling and a district roofer despite $18M shortfall

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education on Sept. 15 adopted the district’s fiscal 2026 budget and took two votes to add items to the operating budget: a middle-school wrestling program and a district roofing solution. The board approved adding the wrestling program at up to $29,500 and approved adding funds for a roofing solution, directing staff to hire an individual roofer rather than contract a roofing company.

The action came as district finance staff told the board the district is operating with a substantial structural gap. “Expenditures exceeded revenues by $3,200,000” for the Ed Fund in August, Miller said while presenting monthly business figures. Board members were also told the district has used fund balance to offset deficits and that roughly $3 million in cuts already were applied to the FY26 budget; staff said larger cuts would be discussed for FY27.

Why it matters: the board adopted the legal budget required by school code and simultaneously added new spending during a period of declining state and federal support, creating questions about reserves and next steps. District officials said they will use fund balance to cover the current-year shortfall and pursue community engagement about additional reductions that would apply to next year’s budget.

Most important facts first: the business report presented monthly totals showing the district’s combined cash balance across all funds was $64,100,000 and the operating funds balance was $29,600,000 as of Aug. 31. The presenter also reported total cash and investments for all funds of $159,800,000 and reported sales-tax receipts of $1,350,000 for May collections. The board was told that since FY24 the district has been drawing down reserves to cover deficits and that the projected FY26 end‑of‑year fund balance would fall below the board policy target of 15% to roughly 10%.

Board votes and subsequent steps: during the meeting the board held the required public hearing on the amended 24/25 budget and then voted on two additions to the FY26 budget. The board approved adding the middle‑school wrestling item at a cost of no more than $29,500; that vote increases the Ed Fund deficit by $29,500. The board also voted to add a roofing solution to the O&M budget; after approving the budget line, the board voted to proceed with option B — hiring an individual roofer — with parameters the board asked staff to define (a quarterly report back and a clearer scope of work).

On the roofing choices staff presented two paths: contract an outside roofing company (an RFQ response estimated at $215,000 for year one and $169,000 in years two and three) or hire a district roofer (an estimated $128,000 annual cost plus one‑time equip/vehicle and incidental supply costs). Board members who supported hiring a district roofer cited potential three‑year savings and proactive maintenance that could extend roof life and protect other district investments such as solar arrays. Staff said the RFQ total over three years would have been about $554,000 while bringing the service in‑house would be roughly $424,000 over three years, a difference of about $130,000 before equipment costs.

Discussion, constraints and next steps: Superintendent Gill and the finance presenter emphasized that roughly 85% of district expenditures are personnel costs, which are difficult to cut mid‑year. Staff said they will continue to track and attempt to spend below budgeted amounts this year, seek low‑cost efficiencies now where feasible, and schedule a broader community engagement process about FY27 reductions (staff proposed beginning outreach in October after the superintendent search survey and focus‑group work concludes). The board instructed staff to define the roofer’s scope of work and reporting requirements before any final contract or hire is executed.

Quotes: Miller, the district business presenter, summarized the August operating snapshot: “For August 2025, FY ’26 Ed Fund revenues were $5,500,000 and FY ’26 Ed Fund expenditures totaled $8,700,000. Expenditures exceeded revenues by $3,200,000.” Superintendent Gill told the board the district will “be eating into our fund balance for the remainder of the year.” One board member who favoring an in‑house hire said the district should be “proactive” and argued that a full‑time roofer could extend roof life and reduce ad‑hoc emergency repairs.

Less critical details: during consent items the board approved several vendor and program agreements (insurance consultant extension, an AVID training contract, NAACP alternative education agreement, NFHS network camera agreement for athletic broadcasts and the annual SRO agreement with the city) by roll call vote. The budget adoption motion itself passed by roll call (six aye, one no). The board authorized staff to amend the FY26 budget to include the approved items when the final budget is filed with the state.