District presents preliminary general fund budget showing modest revenue increase, net positive cash flow

Fiona Berry, assistant chief financial officer, presented the district’s preliminary general fund budget to the board on May 20, describing projected changes to expenditures and revenues and presenting a cash‑flow picture.

"The preliminary budget is just general fund," Berry said, noting it covers schools, services, salaries, benefits and fixed costs. She said the district used historical costs, outside projections and judgment to estimate figures and that numbers remain subject to change while negotiations and insurance costs are finalized.

Berry said projected year‑over‑year expenditures show an increase of about $1,100,000, driven in part by certified and classified step increases and insurance adjustments. On the revenue side, she said the district expects about a $3,300,000 year‑over‑year increase, reflecting the net effect of lower average daily membership and increases within special education funding; she noted the foundation guarantee moved in a way consistent with overall funding.

"What you can take away from this is the key takeaway really. We're at a net positive and we're not expecting to have to seek financing in the next few years," Berry said.

Berry told trustees the numbers will be finalized in June and cautioned that state funding decisions, negotiations and insurance adjustments could change final figures. The board asked no formal procedural questions and took no action on the preliminary budget at the May meeting; trustees will receive a more finalized budget proposal in a subsequent meeting.