Bend‑LaPine CFO reports lower revenue projections but larger-than-expected reserve; board accepts annual financial report

Dan Emerson, the district's chief financial officer, told the Bend‑LaPine School Board on Jan. 14 that the second-quarter financial update (actuals through Dec. 31, 2024) shows a $1.4 million downward revision to revenue projections but also roughly $3 million in projected payroll vacancy savings, leaving the district with a larger-than-expected beginning fund balance for next year. The board voted 5–0 to accept the district's annual comprehensive financial report for the year ending June 30, 2024.

The district's revenue projection was lowered largely because assessed value growth used in the budget (projected at 5.1%) is tracking at 4.6%, Emerson said, a change that reduced a prior projection by about $850,000. He also reported a reduction in the district's state school fund projection—"about $600,000," he said—even though those state revenues remain roughly $300,000 above the budgeted amount for the year. Emerson attributed some state school fund variance to enrollment changes measured between Oct.…