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OKCPS CFO reports projected $23.6 million general fund balance; building and nutrition funds steady
Summary
CFO Sydney Ward presented the Period 7 financial update through January 2025: a projected general fund ending balance of about $23.6 million (about 6.5% of revenue), a $14.3 million projected building fund balance and an $11.2 million school nutrition fund balance. The building fund increase reflects timing of ESSER carryover for Star Spencer.
Chief Financial Officer Sydney Ward told the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board on April 7 that the district projects an ending general fund balance of about $23.6 million for the year, roughly 6.5 percent of total revenue, based on Period 7 (through January 2025) figures.
Why it matters: Fund balances indicate short-term fiscal health and compliance with state limits on certain reserve percentages. Ward said the district may need to use some school nutrition reserves to stay within the state percentage cap.
Ward presented three fund snapshots: a projected general fund balance of about $23.6 million, a building fund projection of about $14.3 million (flat from December) and a school nutrition projected balance of about $11.2 million (slightly up). On formula funding she said January showed a very small adjustment that was expected to normalize in later months.
Board members asked about a spike in the building fund percentage for FY 2025. Ward explained the increase resulted from ESSER carryover from 2020–2024 that did not arrive until 2025; "it's a timing thing," she said, and specifically cited the completion and timing of the Star Spencer construction project.
Ward noted the district must monitor school nutrition fund percentage limits and may need to spend down balances to meet state standards.
Ending: Ward said she will continue to provide monthly updates and the financial team will monitor reserve levels and state percentage limits.
