District finance staff told the Committee of the Whole on Aug. 7 that the Illinois State Board of Education released an updated FY26 Education Funding (EBF) calculation that materially reduced the district’s projected EBF allocation. According to the presentation, the district’s EBF from the state declined from approximately $1,213,230 to about $304,000, a reduction of roughly $906,000 per year under the new calculation.

Why it matters: The change reduces projected state operating revenue and may affect multi‑year staffing and program decisions. Finance leaders said the district will examine prioritization and staffing scenarios and will present a draft budget that accounts for the updated numbers.

Details and context: Administration said an updated ISBE calculation moved the district from a higher funding tier to a lower one. Staff are reviewing why two versions of the calculation were released and expect to have further detail in the coming weeks. The district is also awaiting refined new‑construction numbers from county partners that could offset some of the decrease if assessed property value increases are higher than previously estimated.

Other funding notes: Trustees also noted that some federal Title dollars—previously delayed—had started to flow in July; staff said two grants that had been frozen are now releasing funds, and that several grants in future years may be contingent on EBF levels.

Board response: Trustees asked for additional detail and asked finance staff and administration to bring adjusted draft budget proposals, prioritization options and updated staffing projections to the next budget workshop. Administration said it would incorporate six‑day enrollment and updated new‑construction figures when available.

Ending: Staff described the development as urgent for FY26 planning and committed to returning to the board with refined numbers and options within the district’s budget calendar.