Treasurer outlines earlier timeline, task force and 'build-up' approach ahead of FY27 budget

Treasurer Mike Guston presented a preliminary approach to the FY2027 budget process at the Sept. 22 meeting, urging earlier action, additional stakeholder participation and a focus on “building up” priorities rather than only cutting to meet targets.

Guston said state funding is currently stable under the two‑year state budget but noted continuing enrollment uncertainty, possible future property-tax reform measures and the need to remove a one‑time property-sale revenue item used in the current year. He identified federal funding risks (including potential E‑rate changes and Medicaid/reimbursement variability) and estimated general inflation assumptions near 2.5% for planning.

To improve the process, Guston proposed expanding the budget task force, splitting work into subteams (additional revenue, staffing-formula review, and central‑office zero‑based budgeting), and producing a detailed calendar and decision- documentation trail. He recommended locking predictable fixed/allocated costs early, running central‑office budgets concurrently with school staffing (rather than after), and instituting default decision rules when parties cannot reach agreement.

Guston said the district’s preliminary three‑year forecast shows essentially flat resources next year compared with the current year, so the process must identify choices and priorities. He proposed public listening sessions, earlier central‑office budget work, additional PD for budget owners, and clearer templates for zero‑based budgeting. He also recommended documenting decisions so the board and community can trace how recommendations were reached.

Ending: Board members endorsed the push to start budget planning earlier, requested a detailed Gantt-style calendar and supported expanded participation, with the treasurer’s office to return with a more detailed schedule and subteam charters.