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Tahlequah treasurer: district ends year with large carryover but faces federal grant uncertainty
Summary
The district reported a higher-than-expected bank balance and carryover, but officials said federal grant allocations remain uncertain — about $500,000 is being withheld and roughly $900,000 of programs are at risk pending federal decisions.
The district’s deputy treasurer reported to the Tahlequah Public Schools Board of Education on July 27 that the district closed June with a bank balance of $20,738,339.89 and several fund balances that exceeded expectations — including an $8,301,642.98 general fund balance and a $7,280,504.52 building fund.
Why it matters: Administrators said the carryover provides a cushion as the district waits for federal grant allocations. The treasurer and superintendent warned that multiple federal grants and program allocations remain uncertain and some funds have been withheld, creating potential cash-flow pressure for next year.
What officials said: The deputy treasurer (Finance Director Sabrina Garner identified elsewhere on the agenda) told the board receipts to the general fund in June were $3,640,350.50. Multiple funds were itemized: billing (billing) fund $558,898.43; sinking fund $632,570.57; activity funds $1,065,652.19 and a bond fund of $762,578. The treasurer said electric costs were down $3,411 year-over-year, while water costs were up about $391,000 and gas costs rose by $426.
Grant uncertainty: Board members and administrators reported that federal allocations for Title II-A (instructional support), Title III (EL support), Title IV (student support), Title V (rural education/other), 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Adult Education (AVE) remain uncertain. The speaker said about $500,000 of expected money is currently being withheld and that the total at-risk federal funding they discussed was “very close to $900,000.” The superintendent said some previously withheld funds (the 21st Century after‑school grant previously awarded) were released for year four of a five‑year grant, but other pending grant applications have “not even been read yet.”
Board discussion and context: Superintendent Tanya Jones and board members framed the carryover as the result of multi-year budget monitoring and expressed relief that the district can meet payroll and obligations even if federal funds are delayed or withheld. Jones said even if funds arrive late the district may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later, requiring liquidity in the bank.
Next steps: The treasurer said staff will more frequently reconcile revenue and budget lines to give the board clearer, more frequent projections and will monitor the status of federal grants. No formal action to shift funds was made at the meeting; board members discussed monitoring and contingency planning.
Ending: Board members praised district staff for “careful monitoring” that produced a larger carryover than expected, which leaders said will help the district manage uncertainty about federal grant allocations.
