Finance director: state funding still uncertain; free school meals guaranteed through Sept. 30

District Finance Director Ginger Obermeyer told the Harper Creek Board on Aug. 11 that the district has not yet received final state funding allocation for the fiscal year and does not know exact amounts while the school year approaches.

Obermeyer said the district's audit is scheduled for September and she will provide a near-final financial position at the board's next meeting. "I'm just waiting on August, to be able to tell you exactly where we ended," she said. She told the board that while state funding remains uncertain, the district has contingency plans and is modeling scenarios.

On food service, Obermeyer said federal waivers and reimbursements that covered universal free meals during recent years will continue for households "for sure through September 30." "For sure, the families will eat free through September 30," she said. Administrators said they are encouraging families to complete free-and-reduced applications in case the universal reimbursement ends and eligibility is required later in the school year.

Separately, board materials and Obermeyer noted a multi-year debt refinancing that will shorten bond payments. The district's financial adviser estimated interest savings in the refinancing at about $15,000,000, which will move the final bond payoff from 2037 to 2034. The board had no vote on that refinancing at the meeting; the refinance was presented as a completed administrative transaction.

Ending: Obermeyer and district administration said they would return in September with an updated audit and a clearer fiscal picture once August and state funding details are finalized.