Board approves tentative FY26 budget after staff presentation citing transportation costs, capital projects and reserves

Chris, a district finance presenter, gave an overview of the tentative fiscal year 2026 budget and the timeline for adoption. The board voted to approve the tentative budget June 26.

Chris told the board the district’s revenues are primarily local (about 88 percent), with state revenues around 8 percent and federal revenues about 4 percent. He said local revenue increased by roughly $3.6 million, while state revenue is expected to drop by about $1.14 million due to shifts in evidence-based funding and anticipated reductions in Title I carryover.

On expenditures, Chris said the largest increases are in salaries and benefits, transportation, and planned capital projects. He reported a planned deficit of about $1.4 million that is driven by capital projects ($3.9 million programmed). He noted a $36 million working cash balance that originated from borrowing to finance projects and said the district will manage fund balances and Miller ratio constraints as it finalizes the budget.

Following the presentation the board approved the tentative budget on a roll-call vote (motion carried 4–0). Chris said the district will publish the tentative budget, post it at the district office, and return with updates in August and a public hearing and adoption in September.