Tulsa Public Schools board approves preliminary 2025–26 budget totaling about $795 million

The Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education on Monday approved a preliminary budget and financing plan for fiscal year 2025–26 that district staff presented as consistent with state budgeting rules and driven by the end of ESSER funding.

The plan the board approved lists estimated revenues of $795,256,549 and estimated expenditures of $722,506,867 for all appropriated funds, and district financial staff described the proposal as a conservative starting point to open the fiscal year July 1.

Chief Financial Officer Kristen Stevens told the board the preliminary document was prepared in accordance with “section 5-154 of the school district budget act” and reflected the district’s best estimates for revenues and expenditures. She said the general fund plan assumes a decline tied to ESSER dollars sunsetting and that the district will return in September and mid-year with updates and, if needed, amendments once actual student counts and state aid are finalized.

Stevens said the proposal reduces overall planned spending compared with FY25 because some one‑time federal ESSER programs ended. She identified three priorities for the proposed budget: sustain classroom staffing and supports, invest in facilities and operational efficiencies, and protect the district fund balance so the district can meet cash-flow needs before state aid arrives in January. She also said cabinet members are targeting non‑salary reductions and organizational efficiencies totaling millions of dollars.

Board members asked clarifying questions about enrollment, fund balance and bond issuance. Stevens said overall enrollment projections were slightly down from the current year and that state aid was expected to remain roughly flat; she explained that the larger revenue/expenditure figures shown earlier represent all appropriated funds, not just the general fund. On bonds, Stevens said the district still had about $99 million to issue from the $414 million bond package voters approved in 2021 and that the board would consider an approximately $46.5 million bond sale at an upcoming meeting.

Board member Ashley pressed about the district’s fund balance and how the district uses the surplus to cover operating cash needs before state aid arrives. Stevens said the general fund balance exists to carry the district through the first two quarters of the fiscal year until ad valorem and state aid receipts arrive in January.

The board voted to approve the preliminary budget. Ms. Smith, Ms. Ashley, Mr. Moniz, Mr. Chrisant, Miss Carby and Miss Willey voted yes; the motion passed.

District staff said the board will receive an updated final FY25 closeout report in September and a likely mid‑year amendment after the fall student counts and state aid are finalized.