Plainfield District 202 adopts FY2026 budget after state funding drop

The Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 Board of Education on Aug. 27 approved the district's fiscal year 2026 budget after administrators said the state’s change to the evidence‑based funding model shifted the district from a "tier 1" to a "tier 2" designation and reduced state aid.

District presenter Dr. Wood said the change to the consumer wage index in the state formula resulted in a $6,700,000 reduction in state funding for the district. Dr. Wood said that change, together with federal grant adjustments and higher insurance costs, produced what the district characterized as a targeted deficit tied to strategic priorities such as market adjustments for staff and an eight‑period high school day.

The district’s financial presentation listed total projected revenues of $437,300,000 and expenditures of $454,400,000, leaving a planned deficit of $17.1 million. Dr. Wood said the district’s unaudited fund balance for 2026 is $197.3 million and that the district remains at roughly 43 percent of fund balance, inside the district’s 30–50 percent policy range. Because the fund balance remains above the district threshold, Dr. Wood said the district does not have to file a deficit‑reduction plan with the state.

Board member Barb (board member) summarized the finance committee’s review and moved to approve the FY2026 budget summary; the motion carried on the board's vote. Following the vote, the board approved related routine finance items including insurance benefit rate renewal, vendor contracts, monthly financials, payment of bills, gifts and donations, and disposal of assets, all by motion and roll call.

Board members and staff said the district will continue to monitor the fund balance throughout the year and pursue alternative revenue sources or adjustments if balances drop below policy targets. Dr. Wood and finance staff described outreach tools produced this summer to explain the budget, including a meritorious budget presentation submitted for external review, podcasts, a budget postcard and social‑media videos.

Why it matters: The state funding change reduces predictable state revenue and forces district leaders to reconcile strategic priorities with the reduced calculation of state capacity. Board members emphasized the district remains above its internal fund target for now, but said the reduction will require continued management and potential tough decisions later in the fiscal year.

Asked what the district would do if fund balance falls below policy, finance staff said the board’s policy requires adjustment the following year; no specific program cuts or staffing changes were approved at this meeting.