Mount Vernon’s interim business official told trustees on July 15 that the district had received $2,000,000 in funds that were not previously budgeted and that the board must update the 2024–25 appropriations to reflect the unanticipated revenue.
‘‘This was $2,000,000 of revenue we did not anticipate receiving,’’ the business official said, and noted that the district must reconcile unanticipated revenue into the budget so its totals accurately reflect expected receipts and expenditures.
Superintendent Dr. Strickland and the business official told trustees a separate but related concern is an under‑appropriation for transportation costs. Strickland said one of the largest drivers of the closing deficit is that ‘‘we did not allocate or appropriate the amount of funds for transportation versus what it actually costed costed at the end of the year,’’ and that the district is examining routes and placement of special‑education programs to reduce transportation needs.
Trustees asked for more regular financial reporting and a clearer picture of charter‑school payments. Vice President Mitchell asked for quarterly presentations on charter expenditures and said she wanted the budget committee to receive a clearer monthly briefing. The business official agreed to provide monthly financial presentations and to share the transportation route study results as soon as special‑education placements are finalized.
Background and next steps: Business staff said they are reconciling encumbrances, grant resources and late receipts (for example, tax payments) before finalizing whether the district will close in a surplus or deficit. External auditors will review final books and issue findings. The board directed staff to return with updates on the transportation study and the final budget reconciliation.
Ending: Administration said more detailed monthly financial briefings will be added to future meetings and that staff will pursue programmatic changes — including special‑education continuum adjustments and potential route consolidation — to lower transportation costs.