Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Forecast 2025 26 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arlington finance director presents draft 2025–26 budget forecast; fund balance projected to grow
Summary
Executive Director of Financial Services Gina Zuvo presented a working budget forecast showing an anticipated increase in the district’s ending fund balance for 2024–25 and a preliminary growth projection for 2025–26; legislative changes to special education funding and MSOC were cited as positive revenue adjustments.
Gina Zuvo, the district’s executive director of financial services, briefed the Arlington Public Schools board on June 9 about the 2025–26 budget development process, timelines and a working four‑year forecast that shows an improving fund balance.
Zuvo said districts must submit the official budget in the state’s F‑195 format and that a draft will be posted on the district website by July 10 with a board hearing on Aug. 11 and required adoption by Aug. 31. She reported the state’s implicit price deflator of 2.5% is being used in cost forecasts and highlighted two legislative outcomes that influence the district: removal of a special education enrollment cap and a special education funding tier increase the district estimates will add about $600,000; an MSOC (materials, supplies and operating costs) allocation increase of about $35 per student is estimated to add roughly $193,000.
Zuvo presented a working forecast that showed recent adjustments: an adjusted 2024–25 starting fund balance near $1.22 million and an estimated ending fund balance of about $2.44 million; the preliminary working forecast for 2025–26 shows additional growth with an estimated ending fund balance near $3.4 million. She emphasized the numbers are still being reconciled and that detailed expenditure estimates are underway; roughly 86% of district costs are salaries and benefits, which require careful roll‑up as part of the forecast.
Zuvo also described the review process with the Northwest Educational Service District (ESD 189) and noted the district will continue to refine revenue and expenditure assumptions as collective bargaining and legislative outcomes evolve. Board members asked about funding risks tied to federal funds; Zuvo said the 2025–26 picture is not highly volatile but cautioned that 2026–27 remains uncertain and the district is monitoring potential federal and state changes.
The presentation was informational; the district will post a draft budget and return to the board with a formal proposal and public hearing in August.
