Bethany board approves 2025–26 estimate of needs; officials warn revenue may tighten

The Bethany Public Schools Board of Education approved the district’s 2025–26 estimate of needs on a roll-call vote, sending the district’s maximum spending request to the county excise board. Board members approved a current-expense request of $20,937,000 and a building fund maximum of roughly $1,000,008, district finance staff said during a presentation to the board. The estimate of needs documents the district’s cash balances as of June 30, 2025, and the carryover amounts the board can spend in FY26. The administration told the board the estimate seeks a “sweet spot” — high enough to avoid a carryover penalty but not so high as to exhaust reserves and leave no carryover. The district reported a cash balance of about $7 million on June 30 and carryover into FY26 of roughly $4.32 million. Superintendent and finance staff warned the board that revenue could be tighter next year. Officials said much of the previous carryover came from one-time COVID-era funds and that the district should plan conservatively. The finance presentation also noted Oklahoma’s economy is tied to oil and gas and that state allocations could be affected by commodity prices. Board members approved the estimate by voice/roll-call. Palmer, Speights, Pettit and Jaggers recorded “yes” votes during roll call. District staff said the rest of the estimate document breaks past expenses down by function and noted the building fund estimate is driven mainly by redbud-derived ad valorem receipts and other local sources. Administration recommended the conservative posture to preserve carryover and prepare for potential reduced revenue during FY26.