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Superintendent outlines FY25–26 budget framework as enrollment rises
Summary
District CFO presented a fiscal update showing an 11% increase in the district foundation budget driven by enrollment growth; Lawrence is serving more students than captured in October 1 counts and expects to manage additional students within current funds while meeting equity goals.
Lawrence Public Schools presented an early FY25–26 fiscal framework on March 12, outlining how rising enrollment affected the district foundation budget and key revenue sources.
District finance staff reported that the governor’s budget increased the district’s foundation budget by roughly 11%, a higher rise than the state average and largely driven by an increase in student counts. Staff said the district’s foundation budget figure was roughly $333.0 million (presented as the foundation budget estimate) and reported average per‑pupil spending of about $21,950. The presentation noted that chapter 78 and foundation increases reflect October 1 enrollment figures; staff said the district has enrolled roughly 300 additional students since that count and is serving those students with the current year’s funds.
Finance staff described revenue composition: state and local foundation funds, city contribution increases (city contribution noted as approximately $16.3 million in the packet, an increase year over year), and federal grant funding (presented as the largest grant pool, roughly $14.5 million, including Title I and other federal allocations). Staff cautioned the committee to monitor federal grant stability and potential changes in federal funding priorities.
Presenters said the district is applying equity principles to budgeting — aiming to align resources so similar student populations receive comparable funding across schools — and will continue school and department budget meetings through the spring. Committee members asked for a detailed, downloadable budget spreadsheet; staff said they will provide a full Excel budget and more detailed numbers at upcoming budget discussions.
Staff framed the next steps as continuing meetings with schools and departments, updating the city on chapter 74 and charter offsets, and providing the committee with a detailed budget packet in coming months.
