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Board adopts 2025–26 budget; trustees hear tight fiscal outlook and reserve draw to cover one‑time needs
Summary
Trustees adopted the 2025–26 budget after district finance staff detailed a tight funding picture, a modest teacher salary increase, phased‑out federal CARES funding and a planned draw on reserves to cover one‑time and temporary needs.
The Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees adopted the 2025–26 budget on Aug. 12 after the district’s chief financial officer and superintendent outlined a constrained fiscal picture and proposed uses of reserve funds to balance one‑time costs.
Why it matters: The district accounts for seven charter schools. Staff described flat state revenue per student, increasing personnel costs and the expiration of pandemic federal grants as key factors constraining budgets. Trustees approved a budget that includes a modest, systemwide instructional cost‑of‑living increase and limited reserve draws to cover identified needs.
Key figures and decisions presented: CFO Ricky Smith and interim financial staff summarized the adopted budget and related financials. Highlights presented to the board…
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