District outlines $2.9 million shortfall and proposes program consolidations, virtual school and daycare changes

Adam Steele, Chief Financial staff, and Dr. Billy Berry presented budget amendments and a projected local operating shortfall for the 2025–26 school year at the April 7 meeting and outlined proposed reductions to balance the budget.

Steele reviewed recent budget amendments (state, federal, capital and special revenue adjustments) and highlighted larger state allocations received this month, including average-daily-membership growth funding and exceptional-children headcount adjustments. He also described a state-funded “plasma games” (gamification STEM) grant the district has applied for and will present for acceptance in May.

On operating needs, Dr. Berry said the district expects to operate partially from fund balance for the third consecutive year and that the 2025–26 scenario requires about $4.5 million to maintain planned operations. He said the county is expected to provide about $1.6 million based on…