Final 2023–24 audit: Fond du Lac School District posts $2.16 million deficit; special education shortfall remains

The Fond du Lac School Board on March 10 received the district's final 2023'24 audit from its business office, which shows the general fund ended the year with a net decrease of $2,158,925 and confirms continued transfers from the general fund to cover special-education costs.

The executive summary presented at the meeting said general-fund balances declined from $25,800,000 at the start of the year to $23,600,000 at fiscal year end (June 30, 2024). The audited statement of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balance lists a net change of $2,158,925 for the year. The district had adopted a planned deficit budget of $3.3 million for that fiscal year but closed the year at a smaller deficit than planned.

Why it matters: board members and district staff said the audit verifies the district's fiscal statements are audited by an independent firm and provides context for conversations with state legislators and the public about funding pressures, particularly in special…