U-46 administration presented the tentative FY2026 budget at a public hearing, outlining a planned deficit driven by capital spending for the district’s UniteU46 construction program, changes in evidence‑based state funding and projected fund balances.

Finance staff said the district projects total expenditures of $963,200,000 and anticipated revenues near $819,400,000 for FY26, producing a planned deficit associated with capital projects. The presentation noted the district begins FY26 with an unaudited fund balance of $876,300,000 and projects an ending balance of $821,400,000 after the year’s planned spend down.

Administrators described a change in expected state evidence‑based funding (EBF): earlier projections estimated up to $18,000,000 in new funding under the EBF model, but after the state reclassified the district to Tier 2 the district expects approximately $4,800,000 in new dollars instead. The presentation tied the reduction to statewide funding shifts and underscored the need for cautious planning.

Staff said key revenue timing and constraints include Cook County property tax delays, the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) which limits levy increases (the tentative levy uses a 2.9 percent inflationary assumption), and the unpredictability of interest earnings and state aid. The finance director said the budget assumes $144,700,000 in capital projects tied to UniteU46, including new and renovated schools and additions at existing buildings.

Administrators emphasized the spending is a planned, not structural, deficit: "This is not a result of overspending, but a calculated investment as the district begins drawing on reserves to fund capital projects and strategic initiatives," the presentation stated. The hearing was opened and closed with no public comments; board members were referred to the finance committee meeting for detailed questions and were told the budget would be on the Sept. 22 agenda for adoption to meet statutory deadlines.

Less urgent details: the budget highlights included increases in purchased services, supplies and materials, and non‑capital technology; the district described ongoing work on long‑range forecasting and a spend‑down strategy for UniteU46, including debt issued following the 2023 referendum.