Rockford Public Schools presented its tentative FY2026 budget to trustees on Aug. 5; Chief Financial Officer Dr. Jared Brown said the district’s operating funds currently show a projected deficit, but recent state funding calculations are likely to improve the outlook.

Why it matters: The board must adopt a final budget in line with statutory deadlines. An operating deficit affects staffing, program continuity and reserves and could require mid-year spending controls if not remedied by additional revenue or reductions.

Dr. Brown said the tentative FY2026 operating funds show an estimated shortfall of roughly $9.22 million and that the education fund (the largest operational fund) contributes the largest slice of the gap. “The good news is is that number is gonna be higher than what we were expecting it to be,” Brown said, noting that the Illinois State Board of Education had released updated evidence-based funding calculations over the weekend that will increase the district’s allocation. He added that Rockford remains in Tier 1 under the state formula and that several larger districts moved into Tier 2 this cycle.

Brown and trustees discussed the district’s approach to managing the gap. Brown said the district would continue to monitor spending closely and that some capital or non-operating items could be deferred to improve the operating position. He also told trustees that, unlike some districts that implemented large staff cuts, Rockford tried to preserve programs and staffing while seeking longer-term fixes.

Next steps: The board will hold a public hearing on the FY2026 budget on Aug. 19 and will present a final-resolution vote at the same meeting. Brown said the final document will be updated to reflect the newly released evidence-based funding numbers before the Aug. 19 vote.

Numbers discussed in the meeting included the approximately $9.22 million operating deficit projection and a reported district ad fund shortfall figure noted during the presentation; trustees asked staff for additional detail and follow-up materials ahead of the Aug. 19 public hearing.

No budget adoption vote took place at the Aug. 5 meeting; the board will consider the final budget on Aug. 19.