Hazel Park School District projects roughly $1.3 million shortfall; staff reductions and transfers proposed

At a public business meeting of the Hazel Park School District Board of Education, district finance staff presented preliminary figures showing a $1,326,000 deficit for the current year and described a rollover 2025–26 budget that would start with a multimillion-dollar shortfall.

The presentation, led by district finance staff Monica (staff member) and Crystal (staff member), emphasized that the 2025–26 budget before the board was a starting point based on available May state-aid figures and not a zero-based budget. "It is just a estimation of a starting point, of where we need to be," Monica said, adding that central office staff had worked “very hard” to combine roles and eliminate positions where possible.

Why it matters: the district faces reduced state and program revenues and rising expenses that, as presented, would leave the general fund with a negative balance unless corrective steps and additional revenues materialize. Board members asked for timelines and for more precise numbers once the state finalizes aid amounts and the district closes its books for audit.

Key fiscal figures and drivers - Current-year deficit: district staff reported a $1,326,000 deficit "within the year." - Major revenue reductions cited: approximately $1.1 million tied to special education (referred to in the presentation as "51 c" special-education state aid adjustments), a $511,000 reduction for GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) and a $388,000 true-up in section 31a state aid.…